Mitakuye oyasin!
"All my relatives" is a concept to which I was first introduced during my volunteer artist in residence at the Badlands National Park near Interior, South Dakota in 2006. At first it made me aware that all of the living things on this Earth are related to me, and that care for all is needed.
On this trip through the Badlands of South Dakota, and then on into the vast spaces of Yellowstone National Park, I have been elated to see such diversity, and to be gifted with so many images.
Sue and I have been discussing spiritual constructs while driving on some of the most remarkable "shunpikers' heaven" highways.
(shunpiker is a word to describe one who shuns the turnpike for the back roads). Driving highway 26 from Boise to 126 through The Mckenzie Pass is inspiring.
(Click on green link for detailed photographs and information.)
One of the concepts we discussed is that all of "Creation" (mountains, rocks, ocean, living organisms . . .) has the creator within them, and they are extensions that allow the Creator to sense the Whole. I am glad to be a part of the Whole. With this image I can now add that the atomic make-up of everything in the universe is congruent. There is enough empty space in each atom for the Mysterious One to reside.
By spending a little more than a week in Yellowstone, seeing the elk in rut, our great grizzly bear putting the finishing touches on its energy store for the year, the trumpeter swans preening as though they needed more beauty, I am able to glimpse a Celtic theology concept put forth by Columbanus in the 6th Century. "The wild creatures are not asleep as humans are, but can still hear the Great Heartbeat. " People of today are spending large amounts of time and money questing to be in the moment. Our still wild family members are always in the moment. I read that an African antelope was nearly caught by a cheetah but escaped. Minutes later the antelope was chewing its cud contentedly. . . not in the fear of the past or the fear of the future, but in the now.
Columbanus instructed that by studying the wild things, it would bring us closer to understanding the Great One. I am beginning to agree. The beauty of the land, water, sky, rocks and creatures informs us that it is special to follow Mary Oliver's Rules for Life, which are to: 1.) Pay Attention 2.) Be Astonished 3.) Tell what you see."
It's been a great backroads trip. The road is all encompassing.
Dedicated to John (Fire) Lame Deer, whose view of the world inspires me.