The Importance of Floating

An early spring walk around a mountain pond is a walk around nature’s womb.
This pool of water at the forest’s edge appears to be the genesis of everything alive and wild. It gives birth not only to woodland creatures but, more importantly, gives birth to fresh thoughts and ideas.

Standing on the pond’s edge, a shimmering pearlescent glow caught my eye. Barely noticeable, minuscule in size, I was inexplicably drawn to this mysterious object. Hesitant at first, I became a curious big fish being reeled in by this glistening lure.
I slouched through spring's saturated soil bringing me to my object of desire, a delicate white feather. A plume so small and fluffy it could only be a down feather. It was a beauty, floating effortlessly on the pond’s surface.

This gossamer-like feather seemed to say to me, “ Aren’t I pretty.” I had to agree, responding “Most definitely, dear feather.”

​It’s hollow shaft was translucent, with each downy barb separate and unique. Down feathers rarely see the light of day, however on this brilliant morning a feather escaped from a bird's insulation and was languishing on the water's edge. Bitsy beads of morning dew were being served up on the vane of the feather. Each droplet a microscope to what lay below.

On closer examination there were several other down feathers gliding, and communing with one another. One was more beautiful than the next. One revealing its beauty within the pool's discord, one floating in carefree solitude, and the last two feathers in conversation.

The feathers seemed to temporarily surrender to the swirl of life. It was in their surrender their brilliance was amplified, becoming a found jewel in the chaos of nature.

Could I reveal my grace and fragility if I were to surrender to the rush of life? What if I let go of control, to relax into the moment, and to accept the here and now?

​My single, frayed feather, demonstrated the importance of relinquishing the need to always manage. At times there is nothing more to do than to just float.

My incubator of a pond gives birth to more than salamanders and frogs. It becomes the birthplace of deep thought and reflection, even at the wisp of a feather.

​Live in color,
Abby

“If you want to fly give up everything that weighs you down”
Buddha