"... and the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to bloom."
~ Anais Nim
Hi All,
This spring has been an amazing joy of natural discovery, nature's promise of rebirth and renewal. I live in an enchanted neighborhood on the fringe of Arcadia where feral fowl abound. There are guinea hens, peacocks, roosters and hens. Yes, many, many hens and in spring that means baby chicks. On any given day there may be up to 24 little ones roaming my yard like it's the vast countryside. A backyard wall of oleanders serve as nesting grounds for the hens to lay their eggs and becomes magical by night as pink and white blooms twinkle in the moonlight.
I have a small potted Hibiscus on my front porch that hasn't bloomed since last year. The other day I caught a flash of orange as I was getting out of my car, and being in a hurry, almost dismissed it. Curiosity took over and I paused to investigate and what I saw took my breath away. The most vibrant tangerine petals housing a deep maroon center like a beating heart, outlined in carnation pink, crowned by a sunlit yellow stamen and fairy dusted tips of red. Time stood still and in a single bloom I saw deeply into the universe and all was right with the world.
Two quotes come to mind:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."
The second is a meaningful definition of Tantra: "To have your heart touched, and to feel the wonder and awe of being alive."
I didn't know it at the time, but the hibiscus blooms for one day only. This exquisite beauty is a reminder of life's impermanence and preciousness.
Take time this summer to enjoy what really matters to you, spending time with those you love and noticing the grace and wonder of what is right in front of you. You never know what you might find in your own front yard!
If you are looking to venture out a little further, I'd love to have you join me in Costa Rica this August 4-11. What could be more refreshing than a cool misty 75 degrees instead of the sweltering 110+ degrees in Phoenix. Included in your package are daily yoga practices, pranayama and meditation; three fresh organic meals a day; transportation to and from the airport; plus we'll journey on three eco tours.
They include:
"A Canopy Adventure where we are hitched into a harness and fly from tree platform to tree platform on the flanks of Barva Volcano.
"Visit Waterfall Gardens, a beautiful hike along the La Paz River where a series of five waterfalls cascade though the cloud forest.
Included in this tour is the largest butterfly enclosure in the world as well as a hummingbird garden where more than a dozen species fly and flitter within arms reach.
"Poas Volcano - Walk through the cloud forest at the top of this semi active volcano where you can peer into the crater itself with its iridescent blue water and fumaroles.
Now is the time to register and purchase airline tickets for the best deals. Click here for more details on the trip including accommodations and how to join us http://www.marybruce.com/costa_rica_retreat.htm
May all your summer travels near and far bring you delight!
From love and in light,
Mary
~ Anais Nim
Hi All,
This spring has been an amazing joy of natural discovery, nature's promise of rebirth and renewal. I live in an enchanted neighborhood on the fringe of Arcadia where feral fowl abound. There are guinea hens, peacocks, roosters and hens. Yes, many, many hens and in spring that means baby chicks. On any given day there may be up to 24 little ones roaming my yard like it's the vast countryside. A backyard wall of oleanders serve as nesting grounds for the hens to lay their eggs and becomes magical by night as pink and white blooms twinkle in the moonlight.
I have a small potted Hibiscus on my front porch that hasn't bloomed since last year. The other day I caught a flash of orange as I was getting out of my car, and being in a hurry, almost dismissed it. Curiosity took over and I paused to investigate and what I saw took my breath away. The most vibrant tangerine petals housing a deep maroon center like a beating heart, outlined in carnation pink, crowned by a sunlit yellow stamen and fairy dusted tips of red. Time stood still and in a single bloom I saw deeply into the universe and all was right with the world.
Two quotes come to mind:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."
The second is a meaningful definition of Tantra: "To have your heart touched, and to feel the wonder and awe of being alive."
I didn't know it at the time, but the hibiscus blooms for one day only. This exquisite beauty is a reminder of life's impermanence and preciousness.
Take time this summer to enjoy what really matters to you, spending time with those you love and noticing the grace and wonder of what is right in front of you. You never know what you might find in your own front yard!
If you are looking to venture out a little further, I'd love to have you join me in Costa Rica this August 4-11. What could be more refreshing than a cool misty 75 degrees instead of the sweltering 110+ degrees in Phoenix. Included in your package are daily yoga practices, pranayama and meditation; three fresh organic meals a day; transportation to and from the airport; plus we'll journey on three eco tours.
They include:
"A Canopy Adventure where we are hitched into a harness and fly from tree platform to tree platform on the flanks of Barva Volcano.
"Visit Waterfall Gardens, a beautiful hike along the La Paz River where a series of five waterfalls cascade though the cloud forest.
Included in this tour is the largest butterfly enclosure in the world as well as a hummingbird garden where more than a dozen species fly and flitter within arms reach.
"Poas Volcano - Walk through the cloud forest at the top of this semi active volcano where you can peer into the crater itself with its iridescent blue water and fumaroles.
Now is the time to register and purchase airline tickets for the best deals. Click here for more details on the trip including accommodations and how to join us http://www.marybruce.com/costa_rica_retreat.htm
May all your summer travels near and far bring you delight!
From love and in light,
Mary
