Dove or woman?

Thank you to knitting nurse for the inspiration...

The last time I spent a weekend at my favorite escape, a retreat farm called Clare's Well, I managed to quiet my head by Saturday afternoon. I sat on the narrow little bed along the south-facing windows, utterly guiltfree, just staring outside as the sun warmed me almost to sleep.

I always notice birds when I'm there. And on this visit, a dove caught my eye.

Just steps away from my hermitage, she sat on a bare tree limb, perfectly balanced. From time to time, she'd come down, take a few steps on the ground, stand about for a bit as if transfixed by something, then fly back up to her leafless branch.

All her movements were so slow and measured and patient. Even when the chilly March breeze swayed her branch, she simply kept her balance, unruffled, able to shift and adjust.

What is like to be so present, so unbothered, so still, I wondered?

Funny how it took me till now to realize how gently she was guiding me.

Image by Eric Begin