I used to like to fix things – zippers, lamps, appliances. But now they seem to have declared war on me..

Or me on them.

And not only zippers…

Oh no, I forgot to take my wash out of the washing machine. Better get it hung up on the drying rack pronto before it gets all wrinkled.

And then the hot water and heat pipes burst.

I think I need to go meditate now. Wanna come join me?

Maybe this poem and a few photos from a “slow birding” retreat I went on in Averill Vermont in the Northeast Kingdom will help.

Here in my sit spot by the lake

I breathe in slowly, deeply,

The undulating hills,

Sparkling waters,

Wisps of white clouds floating in a bright blue sky.

At the water’s edge

grasses gently sway,

And on the far side of the lake the loons dive, resurface, dive again.

I close my eyes,

Feel the cool breeze,

The sun warm on my cheeks.

I hear water lapping at the shore,

Leaves rustling in the crisp autumn air.

Again and again the loons call out their haunting cries.

I breathe with Nature’s rhythm now.

Hers and mine are one.

And I am at peace.

Ommmm.