We had a difficult week. We did a quick trip to Texas to help our 50 year old, very accomplished and independent baby girl who was scheduled for surgery last Friday. It was a fast-growing lump on her thyroid that might be cancer. All is well with her, but we are feeling the aftermath of the stress when someone we love develops a serious health issue.
During this time we had a couple of really early mornings, over-the-top stressful problems with our airline tickets, and it was really hot and humid in southern Texas. All of these impact my body and mind because of fibromyalgia. I have learned how to take care of myself, but sometimes life is hard and I can’t seem to do enough to counter the stress. I told my children, as they were growing up, that life isn’t fair. It isn’t. It’s hard.
Michael Watson wrote a post this past week called The Power of Place. Michael’s identity has been shaped by his dual presence in Native and Anglo culture. This post was in response to the Native American gathering in North Dakota to protect their sacred places from destruction by the building of the oil pipeline. Michael helps us understand the different world views that are clashing as Natives and capitalists come face to face. I always appreciate how much I learn from Michael’s posts because the Native world view is so different. What struck me most in Michael’s words was this:
I was raised to understand that places have the capacity to heal us. They may also hold us, offering safety and comfort, and, as Don Juan famously said, power.
I think JB and I are looking for comfort, healing and safety in place. As we were returning home we both made the decision that we need to spend a few days in familiar places in northern Michigan before we head to Florida. I have been culling photo files and find that I stop to study those photos of places that have a special feel. All of them places where I felt the power of life flow through me. Places where I feel the presence of God.
The places that we are seeking right now are not grand scenes, like World Heritage Sights or the U.S. National Parks. We seek them out, are moved by their majesty, and they enrich our lives. But these are not what I need right now. I need places that are simple and pure, that sooth and calm, that heal. These are places that allow me to be with myself while being aware of where I am. These are the places in nature where I am at home within myself.
I was a healer in a part of my working life and I respect our ability to heal in body, spirit, and mind. I have experienced this powerful healing within the bonds of human relationship and have been a part of helping others heal. What Michael helped me realize is how much I need nature for healing and growth. To use a popular phrase in sociology and psychology, I need both nurture and nature. I hope we have enough time to heal our planet so my new great-granddaughter will be able to find her places of healing.
Linked to The Daily Post: Recharge.
A New Day: Living Life Almost Gracefully 
Thank you for sharing your journey. Your pictures are beautiful. You have a follow
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Nature uplifts!
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Yes it does. We have returned from spending some time viewing the beautiful nature found in the north of our state and feel much better.
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Wishing your daughter a speedy recovery from the surgery. A really lovely post and photos, Pat. xx
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Thank you so much. My daughter is doing well, but still needs to have her hormone levels checked, etc. She is back to work and doing exciting things. And we have finally relaxed. 🙂
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What fantastic photos, all showing the power and beauty of place. Even when our children are grown, they need us in times of turmoil. Glad you could make the trip to support your daughter. I’m also glad you’re back in a place that makes you feel well and healthy.
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Thanks, Barb. Always good to hear from you.
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I hope you and your daughter have a speedy recovery from this event. Safe travels Pat
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Thanks, Nora. And my daughter is back to work – doing fine.
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Lovely post Pat. I hope all turns out well for your daughter, and that you continue to find healing in landscape and through photography.
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Thanks, Isobel. As I am aging, I am finding stress takes a lot more out of me and requires more healing time. And I just have to live with that – or not and pay the price. 🙂 I appreciate your friendship and support.
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Sounds like a trip to London might be in order… 🙂
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If I could be confident that I would have enough money to last until I die, I would take a big hunk of it and take my whole family to London for a week. And the first thing I would do is book a tour or two with you.
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I can even feel the healing energies coming from the photographs and can only imagine what it must be like to walk there and be present to all that magic. So glad to hear your daughter is doing well and I hope you can recharge in some of your favourite places before traveling again. Blessings and much love to you xxx
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Thank you so much, Xenia.
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You are very welcome Pat :o)
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A beautiful place to be. Hope everything is going well, Pat.
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Thank you. My daughter is fine – we are going up north sometime in the next two weeks. 🙂
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Beautiful pictures for some great life lessons.
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I hope all will be well with your daughter.
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Thanks, Sue. She is doing very well. No cancer and she healed well.
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We need to preserve those special places that can heal the wounds of living.
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Spoken like a poet.
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