Prayer, meditation, ritual… practices with us since the beginning of time; filled with purpose and meaning. Each offers a divine essence, a oneness with God, but amidst the land; nature also holds the quintessential compass to enlightened divinity with our creator. With the earth, we are encouraged to explore, wander, wonder and learn. It is here, in presence amongst raw earth of any kind, I feel most emboldened. Most alive. Most connected to Source.

Behind the community garden where I live, resides a waterfall and the most majestic creek.I’m almost certain that no one knows of my sweet sanctuary amongst the trees, but if they do, I hope it brings them the same peace it brings me. Rocks scatter the mountainside artfully to create a trail for the water to venture downstream. Each burst of life and earth tells a story unique to its kind. We have so much to learn from the earth and the creative beauty that surrounds us. Her story is one filled with purpose, patience, impeccable wisdom, and ease. ‘Be here now,’ sighs the tree as the gentle hum of the wind caresses my cheek. ‘Go with the flow,’ dances the creek as it skips down the mountain. ‘I have purpose,’ whispers the moss, exclaiming that all life has meaning and a contribution awaiting to bud. It is here, by the creek, where my visitations to the forest have become an almost daily ritual. It is here, in prayer and meditation that I have learned from the beauty and bounty of creation. In silence, I sit awestruck. ‘The same creator that made this, made you,’ came a declaration from the spirit within. In silent gratitude, eyes filled with tears, I watch as the sun sets and new stories transpire. 

Danae Eve Hillberg

Writing poetry, outdoor activities, and creative living are Danae Eve Hillberg’s passions. Recently relocated to Portland, Oregon, she’s discovered that storytelling is her purpose.