The Vermont Notebook - Part 2

I drank the Wild Water ~ A story of waking up

Thank you for being here, I’m truly grateful. This is Part 2. You can read Part 1 here:

The Vermont Notebook - Part 1

Alone in the woods… at night

We gathered for a vegetarian dinner in the central hall, eating “family style” before moving to a more comfortable location in the main house. After my very long drive up to Vermont and the events of the day, I was exhausted—physically, emotionally and spiritually. All I wanted to do was curl up and sleep. Fear held me captive in the evening social. You see, our tents were set up quite a ways down the gravel drive in a lower meadow. No way was I brave enough to take that trek alone in the pitch dark. On a wilderness mountain where we were warned about “no food in the tents” because of bears. Finally a few others headed to the camping area so I tagged along to my tent.

Once settled into my little nylon popup, it became obvious that my much needed sleep wasn’t going to happen. It was cold. While thinking about how hard and uncomfortable the ground was, I heard the sounds—all of them, in the not so silence of the night. And scratching noises against the nylon. Crazy thoughts filled my head until I realized that as the wind picked up, small clumps of leaves and acorns started to hit my tent and slide to the ground. Exhaustion, lots of adrenaline and tears. And I had to pee.

While wide awake and waiting for the early light of day, something happened. I had an odd sensation of almost sinking into the ground. And the message “you’re okay”. A deep sense of calm and comfort flooded my body. I was being hugged. Mother Earth embraced me. In total peace, I drifted off to sleep and woke as the sun was rising. After the long walk to the restrooms, I grabbed a cup of herbal tea in the central hall where breakfast preparation was just getting started. Sitting on the overstuffed couch, I knew I had found my new bed for the remaining night. Some of this was just too much to digest.

After a delicious breakfast, a tour of the gardens and a lecture in the yurt, we were back in the wild. This time we were taken to an area of the property where a stream runs through it. Instead of individual plants, we were connecting with Earth for this journaling meditation. [While typing up this post I realized for the first time that I had already connected with Earth the previous night. How interesting.]

Day 2 Meditation – Earth 1 – At a stream

Image by Sven Lachmann from Pixabay

I am the essence of life, needed for everything. I purify and inspire, wash away your problems. You can help me, keep me clean and pure. All of us here can rebuild, renew but we need your help at this time. We need your understanding, to share that understanding. Let people know of our importance and that it’s not helpless, each person can make a difference. We all have it in us to renew and flourish. When you need that for yourself, come visit with us. Look around, see all the rebirth. We have much to share and can be of great benefit during troubled times. Each one of us is important, we all need each other, to grow together, share together. We have many stories to share with you. Hear the birds, they are also talking to you. Hear their stories and lessons. Learn from them. We can provide you with what you are looking for, just ask and share with us. We are old with immense wisdom. We know how to live together as one, let us share that with you, share it with others, show them. Teach them to be still and listen to us.

Life is balance, give and take.

Nourish yourself with our knowledge and expand yourself. We can give you the power and strength when you need it. Feel us, be one with us. Be one with us again.

Here’s some light for your journey ahead. Remember it’s always there for you, just ask and you will be shown. We will light your path. [the sun had come out]

Love us and protect us and we will love and protect you.

Drink from me, take some of me with you. Feel us as one.

Day 3 Meditation - Earth 2

Image by Валентин Симеонов from Pixabay

After sitting in one spot for journaling, something told me to move to another spot.

I moved you here next to the pool to remind you to take time to reflect. Experience what you’ve learned. Make it part of you. Keep writing, it will flow as the water flows here with “reflecting pools”, a resting place, a tranquil spot, a spot to regroup and ponder before continuing on your journey. Always flowing, providing, sharing. There will be obstacles along this path. Work with them, learn from them. Move around them as I move past the fallen branch. Don’t let worn out “leaves” clog you, let them pass, they are needed along the way for other reasons and purpose. Let the wind carry your thoughts (leaves) to land where they are needed. They may be nourishment for someone else.

Obstacles can also be a stopping point, a time to rest and reflect. Use that time. Once the obstacle is removed or passed, the flowing will start again. Picking up speed until it is time to rest again.

We are not as fragile as some may think. This is part of how we are opening awareness to ourselves to others. The earth needs this awareness. Man needs this awareness of us. We can all help each other. Come back to us, we can provide you with the joy you are seeking. Open up to us, feel our presence always. Show this to others. We can take away the hurt and suffering. Be one with us again.

I drank the wild water…

After a small closing ceremony, Stephan had us cup our hands and sip from the stream. Wild water, he explained, is full of life, full of energy and ancient knowledge.

On my way home I had a crazy experience. Of course it waited until I was alone. This experience would stay with only me for a long time; until connecting with others who might understand.

First, if you missed this from Part 1: My background is computer programming. At the time, I needed solid proof to believe in something. After those 3 days, personal experience took precedence over science.

While driving home on Route 89 I suddenly had the realization of what the clouds felt like. Then the rock ledges lining the highway, and trees. As though I was touching them. This wasn’t something I was thinking about, it just happened and continued to grow stronger and seemingly more real. Then it happened. I became part of everything I saw…. clouds, sky, rocks, trees, the road, everything. Very hard to describe but I spread out so much and merged with everything, right through the Universe. Asking to no one in particular, “What’s going on?”.

“You drank the wild water. You are one with all.”

As quick as it came, it left. Time seemed to stop. I was still driving on a highway, heading back home. Nothing was ever the same. Once you know you can’t unknow.

In addition to the personal insights that came from this workshop, there were the strong messages I received about sharing Nature connection with others. After 24 years, I’m ready. My intention here is to explore the sacredness, mystery and magic of Nature through more obscure factual tidbits, nature connection journaling, photography, ecopsychology and other musings. My objective is to help foster a deeper connection with Nature through awe, curiosity and mindfulness. The commitment to share my writing will also hold me accountable to continue deepening my connection to Nature, myself, community and spirit. Future writings will include simple techniques for deepening your personal connection with Nature.

• Have you ever experienced a magical or sacred moment in Nature? Let’s connect in the comments.

This post is why I started Sacred Environment:

How It All Began

If something I wrote sparked some inspiration, or brightened your day a little, or anything else you’d like to share… I’d be very grateful to hear about it in the comments or click the little heart for a “like”. Tip Jar uses Stripe.