Ode to the Land: The Cycle of Life

By Kristine Karpinski

June days have brought the blessings of family in full view among all the critters. Not a moment goes by without witnessing a parent teaching a growing young one the way of the world. 

Raven parents hanging out with their young as they show them how to find the best insect snacks. Raccoon mothers literally take their little ones on the rounds guiding them to which trees drop good stuff to the ground, which bird feeders are worth accessing and which logs are the best to overturn for grubs. Squirrel babies entrain to the motions of their mamas by copying their movements. Chipmunk moms stay close while their young learn to scurry.

Young red squirrels are particularly entertaining as they have a tendency to play hide and seek with each other, testing all skills of tumbling, climbing and rolling. They seem to think including humans in the fun is normal and necessary.  

In this place, we are among them, not the other way around.

They are generous with their presence and earnest in spirit. Growing young remind us the days are passing as we watch them become more independent getting ready for adventures of their own. 

Cycle moves us along, critters, humans, plants, stars, moon and sun. The ebb and flow of the ongoing story shows itself well at this time of year. It seems like everything has grown overnight. Trees have filled in completely, pathways are lush. It’s a plentiful time of year with the days at full length as we turn the wheel of solstice, and begin our journey back into the shorter days. 

The movement is slow enough though, that we can lean into the summer months in sweet enchantment as if it will go on forever. 

As the lazy days of warmth set-in, appreciate the cycle of life. Appreciate nature reminding us that the young ones grow into themselves and head out on their own journeys, parents sending them off with the best they can offer. Whether sapling, squirrel or human, we all share this in common.

Kristine hosts a variety of offerings - Sound Nidra, Mystery in Motion, etc. Check them out on our website.

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