Tuesday, June 02, 2009

On Nature

A wonderful read is The Spell of the Sensuous by David Abram, discussing man's place in the natural world.

monarch chrysalis on a milkweed plant

In it, Abram says..." I first learned of the intelligence that lurks in nonhuman nature, the ability that an alien form of sentience has to echo one's own, to instill a reverberation in oneself that temporarily shatters habitual ways of seeing and feeling, leaving one open to a world all alive, awake and aware. It was from such small beings that my senses first learned of the countless worlds within worlds that spin in the depths of this world that we commonly inhabit, and from them that I learned that my body could, with practice, enter sensorially into these dimensions...."

fish eggs

I have been much more aware of all things living in my backyard this spring. The birds are wonderful companions and are becoming more accustom to my presence. I am happy to report that the milkweed that I spoke about in an earlier post is alive and well. Looks like I may have 6 -8 plants this season. I will keep a steady gaze to see if the monarch lays its eggs on the leaves.

If I can quiet my mind long enough I begin to notice the multitude of all things living in my own backyard.

2 comments:

Stephanie Clayton said...

thank you for this reminder. personally, my work is much more informed when i get out of the studio, step outside and just breathe in the natural world.
the small things, such as those in your photos here, often captivate us the most.

Unknown said...

Hello Jane, it's the miracles of nature that have shown me how I want to live. I am glad that you seem to be on the same track. Unfortunately most people miss what life is all about. Wish you lots of wonderful new discoveries.
Those fish eggs in the glass are awsome!
Warm greetings, Petra