This is a wonderful idea; I keep a journal of various thoughts and ideas to help keep me grounded. I often write about the birds I see and about Arya, but I have not focused on one nature memory to refer to. Something to put into practice.
Here is a recent Nature memory. It is from my story about George the Mute Swan, which I posted here some time ago.
It was an unlikely friendship. A human and a swan, a mute swan (Cygnus olor) to be precise. It began simply enough in the spring of 2019, when my wife and I decided to take a walk to Mill Pond, which was close to the house at the time.
My oldest son went with us once to Mill Pond, a few years after George and I became friends. George was swimming in the middle of the pond, about 60 to 75 metres away. I told my son that if George saw me, he would come to extend his greetings and also get some lettuce. My son said something like, “No, he won’t; he doesn’t know who you are. And he’s only a swan.”
George came, swimming in his elegant way and reached the shore, where I promptly greeted him. Then lettuce. My son never again said, “he’s only a swan.” That swan was George the Mute Swan, my friend. Now, I know people say that you can’t be friends with a swan, or a bird, or a cat, or a dog, or with another species. Why not? Are they not all sentient beings? Who says what a friendship is? Who gets to define its limitations and its boundaries?
This continued for three years. The friendship of George and I. I did not know how old George was. I did not know much about him. But then again, I didn’t have to; some friendships are like that—happy to spend time with each other, even if there is not much talking taking place.
Thank you for sharing. What a great memory! I hope that looking for it and sharing again rekindled the heartfelt feelings from the time you spent with George 💜🌿
What a beautiful story about a beautiful friendship! Thank you for sharing, Perry. I absolutely believe we can be friends with animals (and plants), without ever having to say a word. 🙏❤
George sounds like a friendly fellow and a beautiful way to commune with nature. Funny, just yesterday I was listening to a story about another avian friend named George. You can listen to the BBC interview with poet Frieda Hughs about her friend George the magpie here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct4qfy
I love this!! I feel like I am writing this a lot lately, but everything you wrote above is why I carry notebooks with me in every bag I own. In a pinch, I'll "write" in my phone, but I definitely prefer writing over typing. Thank you. Love the picture, as well!! XO
I want to try this, Tania!
Will need to find a moment of quiet and that is not my daughter's bedtime which we are about to start getting ready for 😀.
I will come back and share what I wrote. Thank you for the prompt!
Thank you Sara! I look forward to reading your Nature memory.
This is a wonderful idea; I keep a journal of various thoughts and ideas to help keep me grounded. I often write about the birds I see and about Arya, but I have not focused on one nature memory to refer to. Something to put into practice.
Thank you Perry! I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed this idea. I'd love to see your writing if you give the exercise a try.
Ok; I might just do that.🕊🦜
A lovely Memory ❤️. I have so many stories and memories that keep me company. I'm thankful to Substack for allowing me to share some of them.
Thank you. Yes, you share some very nice memories, and already have that deep connection with Nature going on 😉
Thank you! You as well 😉
Here is a recent Nature memory. It is from my story about George the Mute Swan, which I posted here some time ago.
It was an unlikely friendship. A human and a swan, a mute swan (Cygnus olor) to be precise. It began simply enough in the spring of 2019, when my wife and I decided to take a walk to Mill Pond, which was close to the house at the time.
My oldest son went with us once to Mill Pond, a few years after George and I became friends. George was swimming in the middle of the pond, about 60 to 75 metres away. I told my son that if George saw me, he would come to extend his greetings and also get some lettuce. My son said something like, “No, he won’t; he doesn’t know who you are. And he’s only a swan.”
George came, swimming in his elegant way and reached the shore, where I promptly greeted him. Then lettuce. My son never again said, “he’s only a swan.” That swan was George the Mute Swan, my friend. Now, I know people say that you can’t be friends with a swan, or a bird, or a cat, or a dog, or with another species. Why not? Are they not all sentient beings? Who says what a friendship is? Who gets to define its limitations and its boundaries?
This continued for three years. The friendship of George and I. I did not know how old George was. I did not know much about him. But then again, I didn’t have to; some friendships are like that—happy to spend time with each other, even if there is not much talking taking place.
Thank you for sharing. What a great memory! I hope that looking for it and sharing again rekindled the heartfelt feelings from the time you spent with George 💜🌿
It always does..George will always elicit happy thoughts and feelings.
What a beautiful story about a beautiful friendship! Thank you for sharing, Perry. I absolutely believe we can be friends with animals (and plants), without ever having to say a word. 🙏❤
Yes, indeed, if our hearts are open to it.
George sounds like a friendly fellow and a beautiful way to commune with nature. Funny, just yesterday I was listening to a story about another avian friend named George. You can listen to the BBC interview with poet Frieda Hughs about her friend George the magpie here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct4qfy
How beautiful, Tania.. I loved reading and picturing your childhood memory.. It is so peaceful and full of Light. Thank you for sharing 🙏❤
And here is my memory - https://open.substack.com/pub/gracelabelle/p/the-elusive-himalayas?r=3dbn5i&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Thank you, Tania... this exercise was invaluable.. it left me feeling light-hearted and happy the whole day.. living in that one special memory for a while.. :)
Oh, I love that you enjoyed this exercise. Now it is part of your personal truths, memories of Nature experiences are healing. 🌿
So very true. Nature is wonderful. 🙏❤
I love this!! I feel like I am writing this a lot lately, but everything you wrote above is why I carry notebooks with me in every bag I own. In a pinch, I'll "write" in my phone, but I definitely prefer writing over typing. Thank you. Love the picture, as well!! XO