It doesn't matter how many times I visit a place; I will always see new things and have a completely different experience. On my first visit to the Stupa, I spent time in a seated meditation, while facing the Stupa itself. This morning, I was guided to pay attention to Mother Earth. So, that is exactly what I proceeded to do.
I had walked the 4.4 miles to get there and back in order to get in my daily exercise, but as soon as I stepped onto the property, I felt called to move more slowly—more methodically—while paying attention to how the rich red dirt and various rocks felt underneath the bottoms of my feet. Grounding was clearly a must for today and I was happy to oblige.
I climbed each step, reaching the Stupa itself and decided to walk around it one time. However, I knew on this day, that this would be the only time I would circle the structure. Instead, a pathway caught my attention. So, like any curious creature, I took it. Weaving my way in an unhurried fashion, I paid attention to my surroundings. I noticed a bee inside a bell-shaped flower, feasting on its sweet delights. In my mind, I thanked both it and the flower, for the two of them together were making the pollination process possible.
At one point, I felt compelled to turn right. I didn't know why, but the bedrock of a particular area was calling to me. As I stepped onto its platform, I knew why I was being summoned. A lovely rabbit scurried past me and I had great joy as I bared witness to his enthusiastic hopping.
I continued my journey upward and I came across a medicine wheel. Medicine Wheels have been made by indigenous peoples for several millennia. They are circular in form and are created out of stones. Like the labyrinth, I see Medicine Wheels as a metaphor for the Universe. It symbolizes the Oneness we have with all things in Creation. They are used for various ceremonies, rites of passages and as a celebration of our corporeal and Spiritual existence.
As a Shamanic practitioner, I chose to stand in the center calling in the directions; inviting all Beings in the glorification of life. After finishing my ritual, I felt called to bend down and place the palms of my hands flat onto the surface. Considering it was only about 6:00 am, the land beneath me exuded the chill from the early morning air. However, while my physical being may have perceived this coldness, my emotional Being connected with the warmth of Mama Gaia's gentle embrace.
After completing my ritual, I journeyed farther up the path and paid heed to the various new growths that the plants were producing. Perhaps a single blade of grass, inching its way above the soil, was barely visible to the human eye, but even so, I made sure to avoid stepping on it. These new growths were nature's children. I wouldn't step on a human baby, nor would I step on the child of a Plant Being.
I ventured onward to the highest point and turned to look at the valley. The sun barely peaked over the mountains as its light emanated across the sky. The rainbow of colors from the emerald greens of the trees juxtaposed with the cinnamon of the land filled my heart with awe. The Universe did a great job on this one—that is for sure.
As I turned back to make my way home, I meandered downward through the bedrock, reaching one of the remnants left behind from a stream that once made its way in this place—and as I did so, I made certain to honor the rocks that allowed me to make use of their formations to step over as I moved along my path.
I not only kept my eyes facing downward, throughout the morning's excursion I was also called to look up. The gentle sounds coming from the various birds captured my attention and as they did so I repeatedly noticed bird after bird sitting at the very tip top of a tree. It fascinated me how they were able to balance on such a small area, and I suppose this act could be seen as my own balancing between body and Spirit. I was also gratified to note that even when I wasn't looking up, I could hear the difference between a dove, a raven and a quail. I wasn't always able to do that, but now I am and I am grateful.
...and so it seemed that whether I observed a close-up view of a bug prancing around the plants, felt the Earth underneath my feet, smelled the wild roses, heard the plethora of birds that surrounded me or celebrated the entire area as a whole, there was so much to rejoice...and so I did.
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Thank you for reading and Namaste! (The Light in me recognizes the Light in you!)
Lisa Tunney is a metaphysician with an accessible approach. She has been described as “Sex and the City meets the Dalai Lama”. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from U.C. Berkeley and a Master’s Degree in Metaphysics from the American Institute of Holistic Theology. Additionally, she is a Reiki Master, Shamanic Practitioner, Intuition Development Teacher, Philosopher and author of the upcoming inspirational books, Blossoming Butterfly and The Seed Planter. Through the various avenues of teaching she pursues, she integrates laughter, intuition, storytelling, and most importantly, it is her goal to help guide others to listen to their own Inner Wisdom.