EDITOR'S PAGE |
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"Birth, renewal and joy" Spring has always been one of my favorite seasons of the year; the birds are singing, the days are longer, and everything that was dormant and contemplative awakens with color and enthusiasm. It echoes of birth, renewal and joy in our landscape, our people and our spirits. The winter blues welcome the warmth and vision of the sun; children feed fluffy baby ducks in the parks, grays and browns become greens, pinks, purples and reds. Rituals abound to greet this season: resurrection, reverence for Mother Earth, Spring Training and Spring Break. Something for everyone in this great nation. In celebration of Spring and youth we are dedicating this issue to the students of Crescent High School, located in the small rural town of Joyce, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. We were blessed with receiving these stories from a very proud teacher, Erika Thorsen, who believed her students' stories about nature deemed worthy of publication. Reading these students' pieces in their entirety gave me a feeling of hope in our youth, and in their goodness and capacity to revere nature with respect and awe. The media reports many negative stories, especially of late with the recent high school shootings. But, where is the good news about our children? The children that are good, compassionate, respectful, intelligent, talented and responsible? This issue is a reminder that we can have faith in our children and their capacity to be caring responsible citizens of our planet. Self-awareness and spiritual maturity came to mind while reading these stories. So many people are so busy doing instead of being. There is no time or interest to be introspective and reflective. It is inspiring to see these students paying attention to and reflecting upon their environment, then expressing themselves so eloquently. Credit to their teacher for encouraging them to do this assignment is much deserved, and giving us this opportunity to enjoy the fruit of their labor! Reflecting on how our natural environment moves and inspires these students' writing also serves as a reminder to preserve our wilderness areas. We need to remember that these beautiful, unspoiled sanctuaries of nature are not only necessary habitats for animals but, also for the human spirit. In our busy, over-programmed lives we need places to commune with nature, be quiet with ourselves, and see, touch, breathe and taste the precious gift of Creation. Preparing this issue reminded me of my own writing inspired by nature and by teachers encouraging me to express myself through poetry and journaling. I was reminded of the awe experienced during elementary school field trips delighting in anemone and starfish dense tidepools and looking for the elusive octopus. Long summer evenings counting shooting stars and having my first thoughts of the meaning of life. And, remembering the first time I watched a butterfly emerge from its opaque cocoon, struggling, kicking, and "raging to be born" alone in this world. As a teenager I loved butterflies and identified with existing as a simple silkworm then looking forward to the day I would emerge into the world as a beautiful, free-spirited butterfly. Noticing these worlds within worlds, as Pattiann writes in Opus from Space, is a natural perspective children possess and we as adults lose sight of when we forget to stop and smell the roses. Thankfully, we have children and nature to remind us of that innocence, awe and wonder! I am also thankful that many of my questions and experiences of youth are not only locked in my memory but also in stacks of journals kept since the fourth grade. Journaling was encouraged by my mother and teachers. I remember going to summer camp and mom giving me a journal with a loving comment and philosophical question written on each daily page. These words were so powerful and it's a gift I wish to pass on to my own children. Such a simple gift to a child, and something I appreciate so much as an adult. If only I expressed that appreciation to my teachers and elders then like I do now. But, then, it's not too late to look up a childhood teacher or mentor and thank them today, is it? Thank you to Crescent High School and to all teachers for doing such a great job with our students. It is a privilege to celebrate youth and amateur writers. It should inspire us all to be reflective and submit your story for a future issue! Speaking of future issues...are you an athlete who finds sanctuary in exercising or playing team sports? Do you admire a professional athlete who is both physically fit and driven by their spirituality? Submit your story, or nominate a professional (or amateur) athlete who is also spiritually-wired. We enjoy hearing from you and reading your stories. If you have submitted your stories we will notify you if your story has been selected. We have received stories which will be used in future issues so don't lose heart if your story has not yet been published. Use our submission form and keep us all inspired by your stories! Email us with your comments or send us suggestions. Are you noticing the miracles in your life? 
Let us know you stopped by and tell us what does and doesn't work for you! Thank you for visiting our site! SpirituallyFit.com Staff |
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