Lean on Me

At the beginning of July I organized a community work day here at the Refuge. I wasn't sure how it would go and if people would even want to attend. The plan was to sandwich some work and a meal in between a meditation (in the morning) and a yoga (in the afternoon). To my delight, people showed up even though we were in the middle of a record-breaking heat wave. 

After doing some digging (in the garden), stacking (firewood for the winter), and compost turning, we regrouped because of the heat. 

Non-native people (like me!) have been living here at the Refuge for about 130 years. The land carries scars and holds the detritus from all of that living. We have found two specific areas of waste and garbage left behind, both along waterways.

So off we went, armed with heavy-duty garbage bags. We crossed the creek, climbing over downed trees, and entered the cool, fern-filled redwood forest. After filling the big bags with toxic evidence of past human endeavors—plastic, fiberglass, and plywood—we walked back, skirting the poison oak and across the creek in time to share a delicious, hearty meal.

After lunch while sitting in the shade of an apple tree and drinking iced peppermint tea, we sang together. Do you know the song "Lean on Me?" 

I think that it didn't really hit me until the next day how special the whole day was. Life is like that sometimes; we can forget to really savor what is happening, which in this instance was togetherness and joy, working side by side, helping and healing the land. 

Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on...

For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on