“Nature always seems trying to talk to us as if she had some great secret to tell. And so she has." -- John Lubbock

Like most week's, I didn't necessarily chart out the stories for the 3 Steps of the Reciprocity Cycle. Each idea below came days a part. Yet, I am amazed at the alignment that came together. Backyard musings. Post hike quizzes. And a deep desert breath. This week, Nature's voice seems a little bit louder -- or perhaps I'm listening a little bit better...

Acknowledge Earth Is Our Home

One of my practices to focus my anxious brain when I wake up, kick start my circadian rhythm, drink 32 ounces of water, and support my cortisol levels....

Is to write 3 morning pages (Thank you The Artist Way!) outside in my backyard.

This is the start of an entry last week:

Coming outside this morning. a chill is in the air, but the layers of warmth from 2 sweatshirts and a blanket that I've used all winter almost feel too much. Definitely don't need the hood up and I may unzip my outside hoodie. The blanket wrapped around just feels soothing :) And when I look to my left, I see 1 yellow daffodil flower that I can't quite tell is is blooming or already fading. Some patch of small white blossoms gives a pop of joy to the ground under the tree by the gate. And a fragrance of some kind lilts under my nose and enters with several inhales. The birds are definitely awake. Signing different songs with caws punctuating as crows fly overhead. Definitely feels that spring arrived while I was in Texas. And even tho the weather app seems like it's cold and wet, it's truly like written to Vera..."It's cold, but in a spring kind of way. And I love you." I'm so delighted I found that quote. It tickles me in all kinds of ways. And now to the work of the day...

PS. Recognize the quote from 2 blogs ago? :)

PPS. When's the last time you waxed poetic about the nature in and around you? Can you again now? This hour? Today? This week? Relationships take nourishment -- including the one with the earth.

Discover Your Earth Archetype

After a hike with Climate Curious on Sunday, I had the fun opportunity to sit next to someone as they completed the "What Is Your Earth Archetype?" quiz.

As he went through the randomized series of questions, we discussed how they resonated with him -- or not. How he was choosing the number he marked. Clarifying questions he wanted on a couple.

And then we celebrated together when he got his results. The person across the table even spoke up...

"I got Weaver too!"

It was deeply satisfying to be a part of his process.

Curiosity. Discovery. Connection.

And in response to the quiz results emailed out with his highest scoring Earth Archetype, he wrote me this wonderful message.

Hi Amber,

Thank you for sharing my Earth Archetype results! It was fascinating to discover that I align with the Weaver type. The insights in the report gave me a fresh perspective on my personality and strengths, and I appreciate the way it connects individual traits to a broader purpose.

It gave me a lot to think about in terms of how I approach challenges and opportunities.

I’m still processing some aspects of the results, but I’m excited to explore how I can apply this knowledge moving forward. Thank you again for this unique perspective!

Best regards,

Work Together in Community

Have you ever been in a choir? Or perhaps played a wind instrument in a band?

Then you may just know about this phenomenon.

If not, no worries because I'm about to share a powerful tool they use...

Staggered Breathing.

It's a technique for individuals in an ensemble to take breaths at different points so that no breath gaps can be heard and the audience enjoys a continuous song.

What I love about this tool is how it serves as a metaphor for any ensemble, group, community, etc working together.

Besides the fact that making the journey fun is a big part of sustainable changes...

We need to all take breaths.

And this is so much easier when we know our community will keep the work going while we do.

While you are reading this, I may be taking one of those breaths.

After leading a conversation around "The Science and Story of Awe" last night, I received the epic gift of 2 nights in an A-frame cabin at an artist residency located in high plateau desert.

So even though I will be taking some calls today, I left time to relish this gift.

To give my body a visceral experience of being a part of nature.

To smell the juniper trees and touch the lake.

To breathe.

Thank you, Community, for continuing to sing.

I'll be back at it tomorrow!