Communing about Climate Change
On Bartram Island
When I first visited Bartram island in the spring, I walked down to the shore, greeted the spirit of the Island, and took note of the unusually high water. I heard Nature say, “I am healing. I am taking back…”
On a more extended visit later that summer, I went out again to the large stones on the shore and opened myself to listen to the spirit of the earth, so articulate in this ancient setting. As I headed out, Mary (my hostess) almost flippantly suggested out that I ask the stones about ‘climate change.’ This is what I heard…
We have not been able to appeal to you through beauty; now we speak through other means that shock and alarm you. Our repertoire of ‘earth-speak’ is far more versatile, rapid and resilient than anything you can muster. As we gain your attention, you have choice – to react in self-protective fear or to seek a deeper connection and understanding of the Mystery which underlies and informs everything. Disaster or ‘paradise.’
Humility and respect are appropriate in these times, respect for a power not of your own making or control. Humility for the fact that you are implicated, without any guarantees, in the outworking of this cycle which has been set inexorably into motion. Timelines, dates for solving or fixing what you perceive as the problems can be self-serving distractions. The work of remembering (re-membering) occurs at a much deeper level.
Your bones hold the information keys to participation in these times. Long after you flesh has dissolved, your bones remember. Do not struggle with this information now. Enough to know that respect for bones is important, whether flesh or soil surrounds them.
Water as teacher. Water as healer. Water as carrier-wave of Life’s codes. Witness the changes in water with respect, not just fear. It is the softest, yet most powerful force on this green planet. It is unlocking its will and doing an immense task of cleansing and reclaiming earth. Not all of these ways are apparent yet. Pay attention to water, in all its guises! Again, humility and respect provides both connection and information.
