Day 20 - Wild Things

The Peace of Wild Things

Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

It seems fitting to continue this series of reflections on trees, sun, mountains, and oceans by recognizing the two-legged, the four-legged, the winged ones, the finned ones, the crawling ones, and all other creatures with whom we share this planet. Remember when we practice lovingkindness we conclude by offering wishes of wellbeing for all beings everywhere, including non-human beings.

Practice Options

• Sit in silence for a few minutes with the breath as an anchor. After a while, open the doorway of the senses. How far can you extend the sense of hearing? Do you perceive the songs of birds, the buzz of insects, the wind in the trees? Experience your connection to the larger world.

• Take time to appreciate your dog, your cat, and all the non-human beings that fill your life.

• Listen to Wendell Berry share the poem The Peace of Wild Things in his own voice.

• Learn deep respect for the earth and all its creatures from Robin Walls Kimmerer, indigenous woman, scientist, mother, and storyteller.