Anyone seeking to live a committed spiritual life knows how important it is to maintain oneself in the higher states of consciousness. Many of us become uncomfortable when we experience people or places where the lower heavy emotions of judgement, fear, guilt, anger, control and envy prevail.

There are many ways by which we can successfully sustain the higher states of joy, peace, love, happiness, abundance and creativity and one of these occurs when we actively seek out the beauty that surrounds us. Beauty uplifts – she speaks to us in quiet whispers or through strong declarations – she seduces us through all our senses – she teases us or calms us.

We often assume that upliftment and happiness only appears within the large events of our living such as special birthdays or anniversaries, the arrival of a new baby, an overseas trip, a wedding or a special family celebration. And yet, how often do we live through entire days without ever tuning into the beauty of nature that surrounds us? The details of the natural world that present themselves moment by moment can lead us into an exquisite realm of changing light, refreshing scents, miraculous colours and forms, all displayed within ever changing contexts. But first - we must remain focused in the present moment to discover these treasures, or all of them will pass us by.

Japan’s Buddhist culture has gifted us with a beautiful form of walking meditation known as the Ginko Walk. Alone or in the presence of others, usually with a notebook and pen (and even a digital camera), people walk meditatively in nature in anticipation of an ‘a-ha’ moment waiting to express itself. When a particularly arresting flash of beauty is experienced, a haiku (a very brief three line, free verse poem) is written. The haiku describes the personal effects of the moment on the writer or reflects poetically upon it.

One may also capture the image on camera to create a haiga, (working later with computer software to embed the haiku within the digitally enhanced photo). A haibun may be written as well, (a short, terse prose description, followed by a haiku. While unfamiliar to most readers in the West, this prose/poetry literary form is very common throughout the East). On its completion the participants share their memories and writings with each other over refreshments. Through the Ginko Walk, a meditation on nature can also become a creative expression of the fine arts.

Every day drink deeply from the beauty that surrounds you, as you allow it to rejuvenate and elevate your entire being. Pause frequently for a moment to admire the beauty of small things as you express your gratitude and thanks to our Great Creator and to Mother Earth, for their precious gifts.

The Search (a haibun)

The day ends with a late afternoon meditation … time for a ‘walk about’ in nature to dream, touch, smell and capture a last haiku moment. Armed with notebooks and pens we set out, as a sliver of pink and gold widens on the rim of the horizon.

ginko walk
ringing with resonance -
bell birds

Our pace quickens as rich foliage deepens into shadow. The bushland suddenly falls silent, the horizon flames into orange red, the open sky provides just enough light to guide us back safely.

setting sun -
each treetop wears
a golden halo

About the Writer

Mary Mageau is a spiritual teacher and author. Her classes in meditation and spiritual awakening have been offered through the Queensland University of the Third Age and The Pine Rivers Community Education Program. She has also contributed articles to spiritual and metaphysical journals, web sites and leading magazines in Australia and New Zealand. Her two books published by Boolarong Press include: Insights – For an Awakening Humanity and A Little Book of Living Spiritually. Grevillea Records has recorded and produced her audio CD entitled, Journey Into Meditation. Mary has also written two free e-books that can be downloaded by clicking on the link below. www.thecominggoldenage.com/Preparing_For_Ascension.htm Enquiries: km3highnote@bigpond.com