I love a good book of daily meditations. If they are marked by the day, that’s even better. While I usually find time to read each day from several books, sometimes, I fall short. A book of daily meditations fills in the gap perfectly.
A couple of months ago, I purchased “The Celtic Spirit” by Caitlin Matthews. Thus far, I’ve found it delightful.
Today’s reading was about defending ancient springs. I found this topic interesting, because I live not too far from a spring the Native Americans revered.
The book mentioned, “The tendency among many people now exploring and discovering the sacred sources of land, heritage, and culture is to act as consumers, demanding that the sacred otherworld give to us unstintingly.”
This statement made me examine myself. How often do I act like a consumer, only worried about what the natural world can give me, instead of how to nurture it? Far too often, I’m afraid.
While the spring I mentioned a moment ago is protected within the bounds of a state park, I know that I haven’t been careful to act particularly honorable near it. I doubt most others have, either.
I find myself needing to unlearn so much of what my imperialist culture has taught me. We aren’t here to simply conquer the land. This way of thinking can cause so much harm.
“By not allowing ourselves to become consumers of the otherworldly gifts that present themselves so generously to us, by reciprocating with thanks, we permit those gifts to work their own healing, reconnective magic upon us.”
-Caitlin Matthews
This Sacred Life 