When I was a child, I had the fortune to go to sleep-away girl scout camp on a scholarship, and that’s where I felt love and safety for the first time in my little life. It was in the middle of a coastal forest on the West Coast, and we slept in tents or open-structured buildings with all of Mother Earth’s creatures for company. There were always trees around us, holding us in their calming presence. So many strong, loving women, taught us to sing together in one voice. The song I remember best is always in my head when I walk in the forest, and I heard it there today:
“Green trees around us,
blue skies, above.
Friends all around us,
in a world filled with love.”
Mr. Rogers said — and I believe — that love is a verb, an active word, like struggle. I see much struggle, but also much love, in our world right now, and I am glad for it. I would rather have and build that kind of love.
I found a safe, quiet, peaceful place to nurture my soul today. I hope you found space for that, too. xx
p.s. The mountain had a message at the top for us! Scroll to the last photo, and take heart.
