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BNA Group, Meaningful Nature Experience 0

Wisdom in disguise

By eyes4earth @eyes4earth · On September 5, 2012

A group with mixed cultural backgrounds had gathered in the Baviaanskloof for a reunion as well as to vision toward realizing aspirations of bringing their passion for nature into their communities.

Camped out at the foothills of the Kouga Mountains, the first day had been ominous. Dark menacing December storm clouds swirled in every direction to the ambient rumbling of disgruntled thunder. There was worry and concern as the approach threatened: scenarios of flash flooding and ripped tents were being debated.

The group eyed the horizons up and down the valley and waited. This time, again, as with previous (and future) times they had gathered, the weather gods conspicuously favoured them. Severe conditions had hit the valley immediately west and east of their location. However, for this group, they were relieved to have been spared: the weather had circled them entirely. Whatsmore, they were blessed with a rainbow.

On the final day of their reunion, the group gathered in a circle – “a counsel” – to discuss ideas for moving forward. There were uncertainties, apprehensions, feelings of inadequacy and lack of confidence.  But there was hope, determination, passion and purpose. Where to from here?

As the counsel concluded, with commitments made, the group mentor looked skyward and circling high above was an eagle with fresh prey clasped between its talons.  The group fell silent as their eyes followed this captivating act of nature.

The day after, the group’s mentor reflected:

I mean yesterday with that eagle, and the idea of our circle was to talk about vision, and where to, and how to achieve our goals and move forward… and get what we want to get out of [this] group. And there’s an eagle, with its prey, with its catch that it has just caught, you know. I mean, what bigger example to focus on your goal, and get what you need, and then for it to come and circle the group.

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eyes4earth.org is a portal into meaningful nature experience and connectedness with nature. It draws on scientific research and experiential insight to explore implications for sustainability education and consciousness. Learn more »

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… some will cast their gaze to the heavens to a …
some
will cast
their gaze
to the heavens 
to an eclipse that may
bring new awakening

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i’ll drop
my gaze
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#eyes4earth

species: bluntnose klipfish
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
	- William Shakespeare 

This quote by Shakespeare speaks to the interconnectedness of all living beings through their shared natural essence. It suggests that a felt experience of ‘nature’ can transcend perceived cultural, social, and species boundaries. Nature, in its raw beauty and presence has, when given a particular kind of attention, the power to evoke universal emotions and stir a sense of commonality among beings. It offers a potent reminder of the fundamental bond that connects all living creatures. Irrespective of our individual backgrounds, ideologies or beliefs, we are all part of the greater tapestry of nature with our pulsing sensing animal bodies.

(So, go on, Mariah, touch it. I never would’ve thought your music would serve a purpose for me!)

Source: adapted from The Socratic Method
An unusual show of flair & bravado compared to mos An unusual show of flair & bravado compared to most octopus I encounter in Keurbooms estuary that are reticent, wary & tucked away . 

#octopus #keurboomsestuary
If you live near the Plettropolis come join us for If you live near the Plettropolis come join us for a  conversation about meaningful nature experiences.

Fellow Frisian descendant and percussionist @jamesvanminnen and I will be yarning about nature connectedness and what’s new in the decade since I completed my deep doctoral dive into the topic. We expect we might cover some tenuous terrain and beat around the bush. 

Details (see link in bio👆🏼):

Thursday 14th March 19h00-20h30 at The Harmony Centre at Kwendalo, Plettenberg Bay
Contribution: suggested R50-R100 (includes tea and refreshments)
RSVP by Wed 13 March: hello@kwendalo.co.za or
044 004 0366

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