Appreciating the Prairie - a Spiritual Practice

     I am a child, maybe five, maybe six.  Standing outside my grandparent's home located in the heart of a Flint Hills Kansas pasture, I turn to my left and see the rolling hills of grass, undulating gently in the breeze. It is so BIG!  Waves and waves of grasses, going on and on forever.  The color is light brown - autumn or early spring. A slight chill in the air.  I feel the breeze that moves the grasses caress my cheeks. I feel love and loved in ways I have yet to know.  Touched by so much care and compassion, recognizing something greater present with me, I sigh and allow myself to be held in the gentle power of all that is around me. 

     Fifty plus years later, riding on the back of a 4-wheeler in the midst of the Tallgrass Prairie, I am embraced again by Wind.  Being in the awesome openness of the prairie, I feel home.  The Child Within again knows love and loving.  The Child Within recognizes the power of presence in the tender touch and reminds Adult Me it's safe to be . . . it is safe to be. 
    
     Be still and know that I am. . .