Wonderful World

“I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” - Mary Ann Radmacher

If we are lucky, we may be blessed with a few fleeting yet magical minutes in life when we are suddenly able feel the undeniable, intrinsic connection that exists between us and our planet.

I remember the moment from this picture so clearly. I recall sitting inside my tent fighting off drowsiness from the heat of the Serengeti sun when all of a sudden there was a gentle rustling in the trees outside. As I peeked my head out of the tent my jaw dropped wide open and I watched in awe as a whole family of elephants slowly and gracefully made their way through our camp. Moving in tender tandem - mothers with babies, large males and smaller youths -all swaying together as they wove their way into the distance. And I felt in those few moments, first excitement, then wonder, and finally a sweet sense of peace.

I think we are given these opportunities as reminders to continually open heart and mind to what is simultaneously unfamiliar and yet deeply innate - soft nudges to bring us back to the pure connection that exists in this world when we are able to pause for a moment to simply observe with eyes wide open.

I think that perhaps it is always there at our fingertips just waiting for us to notice - in the smile of a loved one, in the scent of a favorite flower, in the green grass, or the sanctuary of a yoga practice.