“I arise today Through the strength of heaven: Light of sun, Radiance of moon, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of wind, Depth of sea, Stability of earth, Firmness of rock.” I cherish these words from the ancient prayer that we know as “St. Patrick’s Breastplate.” What would it be like to arise every morning experiencing that sort of kinship with the natural world? Waking up with a visceral …

Originally published at http://clearstorycollective.org Arctic air has been streaming south all week, holding us in its grip.  My husband bursts through the back door, his eyes sparkling.  He pulls off his hat, stamps snow off his boots, and rubs his hands, barely containing his glee.  The sun has only just risen, but already he’s been wandering outside for nearly an hour, taking photos of fox and wild turkey tracks.  It’s …

Originally published at http://clearstorycollective.org Let’s say that you take your kayak onto a pond one October morning, and you’re in no hurry to get somewhere else.  You’re simply here, awake and still, welcoming each moment as it comes, floating wherever the breeze may take you.  From your boat in the middle of the pond you watch the dark water, the birch trees leaning overhead, and the golden-green grasses on the …

Originally published at http://clearstorycollective.org I have been thinking about what it means to live wholeheartedly, to give my full attention to each moment without distraction or holding back. One of my customary ways of dodging the present moment is to get too busy. I remember one evening years ago when I was standing at the stove, making supper, a spatula in one hand and a cell phone in the other. …