Sometimes the world events stir such despair. To listen to a state senator’s impassioned acknowledgement of rape and her decision to have an abortion would have to sear anyone’s heart regardless of conviction. But then to see a fellow senator laugh during her speech….  To read of so much violence in the world and the earth’s own struggle. It is in nature that I find my release and return to compassion. Hatred never ceases with hatred. Anger will never stop anger. In nature I am reminded of the balance, openness, and metta for all regardless of whatever label they may choose to identify themselves or beliefs. In truth, labels matter not. What does matter is the simple question – are we listening?

And there before me, a simple Pinyon Jay with his head turned as if he was listening. I smiled and wondered what he heard. I heard the rustling of the wind through the trees and its dance between sandstone boulders and rocky cliffs. I heard the Magpies and Meadowlarks. I stared out at the snow capped mountains and lake. I thought of the herd of elk I had seen earlier. I stood and unpaused true listening.

When I got back home my browser opened to the news of the day. My heart sighed. I returned to this image. Tilting my head I watched the pigeons circle and heard their wings fluttering.  The wind was still blowing in the trees. A little dog was whining for supper. And in the background, the soft song, “May all beings and life be free from danger. May all beings and life be freed from suffering. May we all know happiness and ease of being.” Like the Pinyon Jay, with soft eyes and tilted head, I listened. In lak’ech – you are my other me. I am listening……….