Forcing Spring

Remarkable in its timing, an old friend, from whom I have not heard in many years, sent me a note ... actually three notes, plus the book Into the Silent Land by Martin Laird. He tells an interesting story of a famous ballerina racked by perfectionism, fear and anger. It ends like this: "She did find solace. She took long walks out on the Yorkshire moors. If she walked long enough, her roiling mind would settle. The expanse of heather was scented balm that soothed the throbbing anger, fear, and pain. She described how on one occasion her anxiety began to drop like layers of scarves. Suddenly, she was aware of being immersed in a sacred presence that upheld her and everything."

"While this experience out on the moors happened only once, it proved a real turning point in her life and drew her into the way of prayer. She knew from her own experience that there was something in her that was deeper than her pain and anxiety and that when the chaos of the mind was quieted, the sense of anguish gave way to a sense of divine presence."

"RS Thomas recounts this sentiment movingly in his poem, "The Moor." "It was like a church to me. I entered it on soft foot, Breath held like a cap in the hand. It was quiet. What God was there made himself felt. Not listened to, in clean colours That brought a moistening of the eye, In movement of the wind over grass." "There were no prayers said. But stillness of the heart's passions - that was praise Enough; and the minds cession Of its kingdom. I walked on, simple and poor, while the air crumbled And broke on me generously as bread."

Inside the front cover of this book, this gift, Shelley wrote, "Refreshing your memory of your vocation." Sometimes unusual things happen that are a gentle, loving but strong blow to the chest.

Comments

[Shay]

Your photographs are so colorful and beautiful. And indeed, I have always found the Divine in nature, "far from the madding crowd."

[Cathleen]

I've really enjoyed reading your blog archives. I hope you and your family are okay. You are missed.

[Britt-Arnhild in Norway]

The colours in the first photo - oh, they are my favorites.

[Elizabeth]

Always a delight to visit your blog Becca, and the poem by RS Thomas sums up walking on Dartmoor for me. I've 'borrowed'it for a post on my blog, with credit to you. Thank you.

[Sonia]

Hi Becca,
Just dropping by to say hello!
Have a nice weekend!

[AmandaMay]

So beautiful.

[Danielle]

Gorgeous flowers! I'm ready to see some lovely colors like that outside, if only it will stop being cold! And that Laird book sounds interesting as well.

[Linda]

Wow, two great quotes. I really like both of them.

[Bellezza]

It's good to know that I'm not alone in my feelings of anxiety sometimes; even though I'm certainly not a famous ballerine, and exercise would NEVER soothe me, prayer does. There's nothing like feeling the strength from Him come to you whether its on the moors, or in the Word, or from the gift of a dear friend.

[Sonia]

So beautiful and colorful flowers!
Thanks for your visiting and nice comment. I wish you have a good week ahead.

[Paula]

Powerful and moving words. Sounds like a wonderful book and something that your soul needed.
I was just telling my sister the other day how standing on the top of our grass dunes and looking at the rugged Oregon coast lines reminds me of the moors. (Not that I've ever walked on the English Moors, only read of them!) Peaceful and soothing...

[Louise]

One of my favourite flower colour combinations, orange and pink, and more tulips, pink this time, in that lovely vase of yours. x

[GeraniumCat]

The power of the landscape to sustain and uplift us is a great joy. Whenever I come home from working in the city I can feel my heart lift at the sight of the distant hills.

[Alice C]

My father-in-law celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination this year. I think that he would say to you that it is the fact that you have chosen to walk the path that matters. It is not an easy route and the people who encourage you are part of your journey.

[marita]

how i love these words, every one sounds like a poem.
peaceful, rich in spirit!
thank you so much!!
have a great weekend ;))

[nikkipolani]

Beautiful bright and loud colors to contrast the quiet of the moors.

[mary]

I NEEDED this post!

Walking has been my saviour in the past few weeks.

I need to reflect on all you have written here.

[PG]

RS Thomas sums it up perfectly for me...I am never poor when I am out walking.