photo by Maggie’s World

Do you ever wonder why certain types of music can fill us with so much emotion? I even know I am being manipulated into to feeling sad when the Mother-Daughter confrontation is coming up in my Blockbuster rental. But when I hear those violin strings they touch me at a primal level that can not be denied. I know, the hardened cynics are rolling their eyes at me!

Okay, what about the sound of trickling water? Whether it is water falling from a man made fountain or the sound of a babbling brook your attention is captured in the more tranquil way. If you want to deny this…you really do need to take more nature hikes.

The truth is certain sounds divert our turbulent minds and even out the ups and downs so that a tranquil balance is achieved.
The ancient Indians understood the importance of sound to our spirit’s mental health. Their long history is filled with writing, poetry and prose which was written with a very specific rhythmic and musical quality. The language of these early Indian was Sanskrit.

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photo by kagedfish

I love the rain. Growing in Phoenix, Arizona where it was common to experience 120 degree weather, I look to the heavens and express my thanks when I see the storm clouds rolling in. But something happens after about the third straight day…I miss the sun.

We have had an extremely wet 2008 here in Southern California. And this last string of rainy days really had me yearning for a little sunshine. As much as I love the lush landscape of Washington and Oregon, I know my spirit would inevitable be somehow “less than” in a climate where the sun did not make a more frequent appearance.

Yesterday as I took my morning walk with my husband and my 2 dogs, the sun kept us company. Like a dear friend that was away on a long vacation she joined us and lifted our mood. Everything seemed brighter – it was literally, of course. But the energy of the atmosphere was circulating in such a way that I could not help but be more aware of what was around me.

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photo by, Menschenkind

There is a timeless religion called Eckankar which believes in the beauty of Light and Sound. Also known as ECK, the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the Audible Life Stream. These are commons threads running through all religions.

I believe nature is one of the ways that God (Source, Spirit) speaks to us. Whether it is the light of the sun, the light you see coming from a kind soul, the sound of a trickling of a stream or the delicate flapping of hummingbird wings, these are moments worthy of pause, observation, and gratitude.

I found a poem on The Poem Tree that reflects this idea beautifully. The piece is written by Robert Frost. This artist’s soul felt at home in nature – it is here where he found peace. When you read this allow yourself to be in a quiet place; the full impact of what he is sharing will provide a more profound punch. I hope you like it:

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