The mountains called me, or so I thought. I could feel their presence inviting me to come. Or was it something else? Regardless, I answered the call and made my way to the place where the Shenandoah National Park meets with the Blue Ridge Mountains. There aren’t a lot of words to describe the beauty of this place. The best way is to close my eyes and feel the Spirit of the place. And when I do, I feel calm and a sense of connection to the Earth. So, I hiked, or walked in the mountains. As I encountered streams, deer, birds, butterflies, and squirrels, I realized that the mountains may have called, but it was the Earth who beckoned. She was my magnetic draw.live streaming film Rings 2017 online
For indigenous cultures, the Earth is our mother, literally and figuratively. Because of her, we have life. The land in which we exist belongs to her. She provides everything we need to sustain ourselves – water, fruits, vegetables, and even air. As I walked through the mountains, I began to think about those who walked this very place thousands and thousands of years ago. They shared this place with our kindred wildlife. While I had a cell phone, car, hiking boots, and supplies, they relied on their knowledge of the Earth to keep themselves safe. More importantly, their connection to the Earth allowed them to share the Earth responsibly with the streams, trees, four-legged ones, and winged ones.
In the mountains, I was reminded of my connection with the Earth and also of the importance of balance and responsibility to the Earth as we exist each day. Indigenous people around the world are well aware of this lesson. I give thanks for the opportunity to leave the hustle and bustle of the world to reconnect to the Earth and to carry this peace in my heart once I return to my modern and busy life.
