Spiritual
Mother Earth
Making Divine Connections:
Healing Our Souls
Welcome to a peaceful, restorative place on the internet where you can reconnect with the Divine through the beauty and wonder of Mother Nature. In our hectic, fast-paced world, too many people suffer from the life-draining effects of stress overload. May these meditations, practices, and writings serve as a pathway for healing your soul, deepening your connection with the power of the Divine, and instilling within you a deep appreciation and desire to protect the blessed gift of this earth. Peace: Rev. Victoria Snow
While visiting Slide Rock State
Park in Arizona, I saw an old tree on the
river’s bank. Somehow, I knew that this tree
had a life lesson to teach. Finding a
comfortable resting place at the tree's
roots, I allowed myself to listen deeply.
Over the gentle gurgling of the waters that
tumbled and caressed the canyon’s rocks,
the whispers of the universe touched my soul. Entering the creation flow, I pulled out my cell phone and began writing. There before my eyes, delicate foamy white bubbles sprang to life and danced upon the creek’s surface, bringing the gift of oxygen to the fish below. A petite brown and black speckled lizard stretched out on a jagged brick-red rock, eagerly soaking up the sun's rays. The rhythmic “Bthrr…Bthrr” filled the air as a downy woodpecker drilled into the bark of a tree. Flying insects softly hummed as they dipped into the small pools of stagnant water dotting the river’s edge. Birthed with the stars, forming an invisible bridge that unites the eons, the ancient song of the river drew my soul into the vibrational flow of creation, calling me to share my love of Mother Nature, faith in the Divine, and desire to help heal the wounds of humankind with others.
Ancient One: Tree Wisdom
Deeply gouged crevices carved into the ancient cedar tree marked its age to anyone who took the time to notice. The once handsome king of the woods was now in his declining years. Many would dismiss this wise elder, preferring youth and beauty over the ancient one, but not I. I recognized a true warrior of the woods in the mutilated husk of the old, twisted trunk. One who had gone to battle with the forces of nature: rain, wind, snow, sun, and time. Each adversary had done their best to bring the warrior to his knees. Yet, the ancient one did not allow defeat to claim him. Instead, he displayed his battle scars like a powerful monarch wearing his crown of gold with pride, authority, and wisdom. Making note of each broken limb, I suddenly realized this tree had a message to share with humanity. Although the years had taken their toll, the ancient tree still boldly raised its branches toward heaven.
Making the Connection:
Life is full of challenges. It takes pure soul courage and spiritual
determination to stand strong when the negative forces of life have
placed you squarely within their crosshairs. Sometimes, all the strength we need is to rely upon the deep eternal light that shines within us and raise our hands toward heaven.
Take a few moments to sit quietly. Allow your breathing to become slow and rhythmic. Close your eyes and ask the Spirit to enter your consciousness. When you are comfortable, allow your inner self to enter the universal flow within you. Reclaim your connection to the universe, remembering that you are made of stardust. Embrace the healing, loving, and accepting power that flows from your soul. Now, name your challenges and release them. Trust that the Spirit of the universe will give you the gifts of wisdom, guidance, and healing you need to overcome. When you are ready, open your eyes, breathe deeply, and in a firm voice, proclaim, “ I am a warrior connected to the divine power of the universe. I am going to overcome. All is well.”
Turtle Tales:
The chill of the northern Florida winter silently crept through the forest, spreading its tentacles around all things living. Touching the banks of the river, it slithered from the sandy shores into the deep dark waters. Finding their shells poor protection against the work of winter, the turtles’ bones began to ache from the biting cold. As the early morning sunrays climbed over the horizon, the turtles emerged from their muddy homes, hoping that the sun’s kiss would banish the sting of winter. One by one, the aching turtles slowly crawled from the frozen water onto the trunk of the fallen cypress. Lined up nose to tail, they lifted their heads and stretched their chilled webbed feet toward heaven. --
As more and more turtles arrived, seeking the warmth of the log, they would readjust their bodies, making room for the newcomers. Eagerly soaking up every precious ray of body-warming sun, the turtles formed a blessed community. Each offered the Spirit of life their heartfelt prayers of thanksgiving. Gently, rhythmically, the lapping of the river’s current against the cypress transformed into a hymn of thanksgiving. As pure as the stars, the turtles’ gratitude linked them together as they soothed their souls and warmed their weary bodies. Here on a fallen log, the precious gift of community was formed.
Making the connection: Community
A hundred or so years ago, people lived in small towns, knew their neighbors, and understood the value of community. With the invention of the internet, cell phones, and the technology to connect with almost everyone on this small planet, many people do not experience a firm sense of community. Being technologically connected is very different from being physically connected to a community. Laughter shared with a good friend, a hug from a child, the gift of a heartfelt conversation and the ability to unburden one’s soul to another is more precious than gold. Each of us has a deep spiritual need to connect to others meaningfully.
Spend some time today celebrating the community around you. Reach out to a friend and let them know that they are valued. Call your family and invite them over for dinner or a movie. Send a card of appreciation to someone who brings joy to your life. Celebrate the gift of community that enriches your life and connects you with the universe.
Butterfly Faith:
Sun rays danced upon paper-thin iridescent wings as the tiny ballerina of the wind moved closer to the fragrant, rich garden. Flitting, fluttering across the spring green lawn, the butterfly floated upon invisible currents. With the boldness of marching band trumpets, the bright pink azaleas unabashedly displayed their honey-sweet nectar. Seized by the flowers’ siren song, the butterfly gracefully placed minute-slippered feet upon the flower’s dainty petals. Accepting the offering, the butterfly dipped into the life-giving sweetness. Through a dance as old as the stars, the hope-filled promise of life was shared.
Making the Connection:
Paul Tillich once wrote, “ Faith means being grasped by a power that is greater than we are, a power that shakes us and turns us, and transforms us and heals us.” Faith is a delicate butterfly dancing upon the wind, displaying its fragility, vulnerability, and delicate nature. The wings of faith can easily be broken, grounding the soul to live without imagination, love, and joy.
Faith is a flitting butterfly trusting in the abundant sharing of blessings and the promise of new life. Faith is the eternal knowing, slumbering deep within our souls, urging us to open our eyes, wake up, and join the divine dance of life.
Find a quiet place to settle your mind and soul. Allow yourself to breathe deeply several times. Feel the sweet gift of oxygen filling your lungs and reenergizing your physical body. Spend a few moments just enjoying the precious gift of breath. When your mind has quieted, focus on the word "Faith". What does this word mean to you? What role does faith play in your everyday life? Are there times when your faith feels as strong as a beam of steel? Are there times when your faith seems as delicate and fleeting as a butterfly drifting upon the wind? …. Invite the Spirit of Life to surround you and enter your thoughts. Ask the Spirit to deepen your faith and/or clarify any questions that have hindered your faith formation. Spend time simply connecting and listening to the wisdom that Spirit has to offer. Feel the Spirit of Life flowing through you.
Bring any questions or concerns before Spirit and ask for guidance. Before opening your eyes, thank the Spirit of Life for the gift of faith and for the many blessings that enrich your daily living. When you are ready open your eyes and remind yourself that the love of the Creator dwells within you, always.
Spiritually Connect with Mother Earth:
The great artist of the universe placed the stars in the sky, the whales in the sea, and the breath of life within your lungs. All life is interconnected, and when humans fill their lives with the stresses, electronics, and worries of the human-made world, our physical, spiritual, and mental health suffers. Many people have discovered that when they take the time to reconnect with nature, they offer themselves the opportunity to lower their stress, increase positive emotions, deepen their appreciation for the beauty of life, and expand their relationship with the Divine. Below is a list of simple everyday practices that can help you reconnect with the healing powers of the Divine gift of Mother Earth.
Practices for making Divine connections with Mother Nature:
Many live in urban areas, and finding time to reconnect with nature is not always easy. However, cloud gazing can be done almost anywhere. Find a space where you can easily look skyward- a park bench, chair on a balcony, etc.… Allow your breathing to slow as you become mindful of each inhale and exhale. Once your body is relaxed, calm your mind by letting yourself place your worries, fears, and obligations aside for a moment. Now, look skyward by noticing the sky's color and the clouds' shapes. Take a few moments to appreciate the creativity and beauty of the Divine artist simply. You may want to allow yourself to recognize shapes in the clouds, or you may offer a prayer of gratitude for the gift of life surrounding you. There are endless possibilities for connecting with the Divine, relaxing your body, and increasing your mental health.
Humanity has used the tree symbol to represent life. A tree's deep roots keep it strong against the elements and challenges of life, and its branches reach toward the life-nurturing light of the sun. Find a favorite tree, grove, or forest. Make time each day/week to visit your tree or walk among the trees in a forest. Admire the beauty of the Divine’s ever-changing ways and gently remind yourself that you are part of the beautiful tapestry of the world.
Stop and smell the flowers. We have been gifted with the ability to smell, touch, hear, see, and taste the world around us. Using our senses to reconnect with the Divine gifts of Mother Earth is a wonderful way for us to step out of our technological world and embrace nature. Take time to smell the flowers, trees, and shrubs. Listen to the birds sing, the crickets chirp, or the dogs bark. Touch a tree, a green leaf, or the wet raindrops. Become a nature detective by seeking out the gifts of nature that bless your life. Eat a juicy apple, crunch on a piece of celery, or bite a red ripe tomato. As you engage your senses, use these opportunities to offer praise and prayers of gratitude to the Divine gifts that bless your life.
Animal Therapy. Studies have shown that petting a cat or dog can lower your stress, reduce your heart rate, and help your body heal. While most of us overlook the spiritual practice of petting our animals as a pathway to reconnecting with the Divine, this can be a simple and readily available practice. Start to pet your fur pal, and allow yourself to name the many ways your pet has enriched your life. Do you feel your cat or dog’s unconditional love? Do they offer you comfort in times of sadness? How does their companionship bring joy, love, and peace into your life? As you pet your fur pal, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the many ways your pet blesses your life.
Bring nature into your living space. Houseplants, aquariums, and terrariums are great ways to introduce nature into your living space and reconnect with the Divine. Consider creating a green sacred space in your home using plants, a water feature, or elements from the outdoors. Center this space around a comfortable chair so that you can relax among the chosen elements and pray, meditate, journal, or simply relax.
