February 1 2024 - Signalling The Change of Seasons

After a long span of winter with cold temperatures and lots of snow, all of us in the North look to February to signal a change in the weather.  The first really warm rays of sun hit us and we feel better for the sun on our face.

February is a time of Peacefulness when we know that the worst of the weather is most often behind us and we start looking at our seed catalogues for ideas for the garden and for the flower beds.

It is a time where it is easy to close your eyes and sink into peaceful meditation as you contemplate the beauty of Nature.  An easy mantra to use is:

            Nature surrounds me and protects me.

            Nature heals me.

            Nature supports me to be me!

Blessings.

Judy

Chipmunk Shivers

The Chipmunk looked cold.  In fact, I wondered if it was frozen, it seemed so still.  I didn’t know we had any chipmunks in the park.  I thought we had only squirrels, gophers, and voles.  I saw it shiver.  I saw it hold up one paw to keep the cold off it for a moment.  I wondered if the Eagle would see it, and eat it.  I saw it shiver again.  And then I seemed hear it’s teeth chatter, and the thought, “I wish I could go back to where I was”.  Then suddenly, the Chipmunk was gone!  There was a little dent in the snow where its body had been.  I looked around to see where the tracks led to, without success.  Chipmunk shivered away.

Blessings,

Judy

Buffalo Kin

Buffalo is unique in its shape – a massive hump over its shoulders, and a very thick skull and mane that protects the head from attack.  The hind end is not so protected.  Therefore, as a defense stance, Buffalo will gather in a circle, with their heads out and their hindquarters in.  This allows them to protect themselves and each other.  

If you doubted that we, humans, are related to buffalo, then look at the idea of Buffalo gathering in a circle.  So have humans gathered over time.  Our Ancestors held the circle sacred, as does Buffalo.  In fact, Buffalo will put the young in the center of the circle to protect them as well.

Buffalo kin show us that we need to protect our young, while at the same time training them to survive on their own.  We do not know how to do this anymore, it seems.  Buffalo comes forward now to remind us that the strength of our children is dependent on the strength that we have to teach them what is needed.  We have to do better at teaching than we have in the past.

Many blessings,

Judy