What If Belonging to the Earth Begins This Afternoon?
One practice, one living thing, five minutes. Spring is already starting without you.
You already care about the natural world. Caring has not closed the gap.
Most of us have tried information, practices, and retreats that turn attention inward. They help. They do not reach the thing underneath, the severance between caring about the Earth and actually belonging to it. What reaches it is specific, repeated contact with one particular being in one particular place.
The practice is smaller than you think.
Go outside today and choose one living thing near your home. Not nature in general. One specific being, a tree, a bird, a patch of moss on a stone wall, or a new spring flower just starting to appear. Give this living being five minutes of full attention. Learn one thing about it you did not know before.
Return tomorrow.
Belonging does not begin with the right conditions or the right location. It begins with one decision to come back.
Spring is already stirring beneath what still looks like winter. The question is not whether the Earth is ready for you.
It is whether you are ready for it.
If this feels doable, please like this post and leave a comment below about your experience. I read every response and will share something back with you as well.
Walk With Me
If my post resonated, then these may, too.
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Rewilding the Soul: EcoSpirituality Certificate — A guided journey into direct, embodied relationship with the living Earth. Through Cherry Hill Seminary, starting on March 18, 2026. Learn More.
September 2026 Contemplative Walking Retreat — Seven days on France’s ancient Le Puy path of the Camino de Santiago. Only 4 participants with only 1 space remaining. Private rooms directly on the route where pilgrims have walked for a thousand years. Silence as practice, not punishment. Details Here.
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I'm leaving the hospital after 5 days. Looking out my window, it's all grey with a whiteout. I'll need to walk through snow to get in my door at home. Your piece brings me joy to know the truth that despite what I see, Spring is already here and ready to show itself any day!