for the past two months i have been hiking once or twice a week. thanks to my wonderful niece valerie, i have a washington state park pass. in the past, i had always enjoyed walking in the mountains and next to beaches. with the covid pandemic, i had decided that 2021 will be my “hiking (as well as keyboard) year”. hiking is an energizing activity and i want to do more in the future.

there are stereotypes of various regions of the usa: in certain states, it’s cowboy culture. in southern california– surfers dudes. the urban atlantic region– fast city life. northern states– the frozen chosen. for the pacific northwest– the tree hugger.

i embrace (pardon the pun) being a tree hugger!! trees have great chi (energy). before i hit the trail, i think to myself, “i’m going to meet some new friends today.” who does not want friends with good energy?

i think it is providential that my favorite tree friends are a half mile away at the top of the waterfall in kubota garden. abundant grace from the Spirit!

so there ya go…

just a brief post today so i have more time to read more about how the taoists dance with chi from trees.

let us pray

The Canticle of Creation by Saint Francis of Assisi

O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God,
to you belong praise, glory,
honour and all blessing.
Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation
and especially for our Brother Sun,
who brings us the day and the light;
he is strong and shines magnificently.
O Lord, we think of you when we look at him.

Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon,
and for the stars
which you have set shining and lovely
in the heavens.

Be praised, my Lord,
for our Brothers Wind and Air
and every kind of weather
by which you, Lord,
uphold life in all your creatures.

Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water,
who is very useful to us,
and humble and precious and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom you give us light in the darkness:
he is bright and lively and strong.

Be praised, my Lord,
for Sister Earth, our Mother,
who nourishes us and sustains us,
bringing forth
fruits and vegetables of many kinds
and flowers of many colours.

Be praised, my Lord,
for those who forgive for love of you;
and for those
who bear sickness and weakness
in peace and patience
– you will grant them a crown.

Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death,
whom we must all face.
I praise and bless you, Lord,
and I give thanks to you,
and I will serve you in all humility. Amen