Water, A New Spring, and A Buck

We have had a busy summer here at the Refuge at Pudding Creek. There were two retreats for small groups and a series of people visiting for personal retreat. It has been wonderful to practice and bathe in nature with so many of you. As August is drawing to a close, the apples are starting to ripen and we are turning our attention from having retreats to working in the gardens and fortifying our water system as the drought deepens. A big beautiful antlered buck (we call him Bucky) has been here for a few days grazing on the apples and blackberries. I am worried for my flowers as they must be tasty too!

The other day Joe and I walked across the dry creek bed and up the hill to our spring. The water from the spring that we drink, grow our food with, and bathe in is still flowing from the earth, but the rate has slowed significantly. Our neighbors tell us that the creek and land have never been as dry as it is now in their 70 years of memory of this place. Collectively we are facing not only the continued pandemic but the impact of drought and fires. We are a part of the land and the land here is thirsty. Instead of falling into hopelessness, I wonder what we could do if we all became quiet? What if we are being called to slow down and listen patiently for not just what needs to be done but what to let go of? Buddhist wisdom teaches that our freedom and happiness comes from letting go rather than acquisition. This means that we don't need to get more peace or love but that instead we let go of our preoccupations and give more peace or love. In the same way, I wonder what each of us could let go of in order to give more to this world and each other at this particular place and time that we are in now.

A few weeks ago I was wandering in the woods and found a pipe with a spigot coming out of the ground. Another spring! It is amazing to be in a place for almost 2 years and still be discovering what feels like secrets. A quiet and curious mind sees new possibilities when it feels like there are none.

While there is moisture on the spigot, no water is coming out of it. So we work on finding out if it will run again and how to make that happen. Water is a miracle that just comes from the earth as a precious gift that should not be taken for granted. It is a privilege to be alive and to drink a glass of clean water. Let's not waste our resources; let's not waste the opportunity to let go of worries and fears and turn with a curious and open mind towards gratitude for what we do have and what we can give.

Let go, be patient, listen quietly, be open to possibilities, be grateful, and give.