Nature

"The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures. It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers. It is the same life that is rocked in the ocean-cradle of birth and death, in ebb and in flow. I feel my limbs are made glorious by the touch of this world of life. And my pride is from the life-throb of ages dancing in my blood at this moment." Rabindranath Tagore

Nature asks not that we admire Her, pray to Her, or pledge fealty to Her. She does not ask that shrines be built to Her or hierarchies be assembled to lead the masses to Her. She exists on Her own terms, asking nothing and promising nothing. Because of this, She is dangerous: she cannot be bribed or bullied. She does not concern Herself with fulfilling wishes or easing pain and suffering. She does not endorse one belief system over another nor elevate one man over another. She is not all goodness and light and does not pretend to be. But She is real and accessible to every one of the senses. When I mindfully stand in Her presence, I am always transformed.

Song of the day: Canção do Mar performed by Dulce Pontes

Photo: Bali, Indonesia