Flirting With Nature

I step into the forest not knowing how thirsty my eyes are for green. I am instantly drenched by her fountain of flora. Many months in the dry heat of Mexico have left me parched and ready for the moisture of this succulent land. I fondle the moss, I rub the leafy soil in my palms and smell its wealth, I cuddle a long straight fir against my pounding heart, pressing my flesh against her marrow to amplify my inner pulsing. I want to touch it all with my eyes, and I want to listen with my whole body. I want to be re-hydrated from the inside out and pour out laughter.

The smooth body of a leaf slides between my fingers. Rough tree bark confuses the padding of my palms. Patches of sky reach through the canopy and beg for attention. Whimsical stems with bell like blooms flank her corridor issuing my onward. I feel oozed through this trail of native witness.

I allow my senses to be awoken amourously this way and I am enchanted, ecstatically. I blend easily with my surroundings. I can't help merging with the space that cradles me so effortlessly. Is it me flirting with her, or is she shamelessly flirting with me? I don't know which is which, similar to the chicken or the egg. Who cares anyway. I am being lustfully courted by this delicious place. I am inviting her to nibble at my ears, lullaby me sweetly, and shower me with romantic gifts, everything wrapped from head to toe in gloriously gorgeous greenness.

There is no mistaking the sudden arousal of my body to her affections. Almost without thinking I bashfully surrender to her seduction. I press my toes into her soil rich darkness, feel the coolness of her must, and the freshness of the moment as we awaken in each others presence. We have given ourselves to each other, honoured one another and all of creation in our union, recognizing our infinite ancestral familiarity.

We are lovers, coniferous and sublime.

Love,

Leela Francis is a registered massage therapist, Nia, yoga, Trancedance and nature therapy facilitator. She works internationally with groups re-connecting people to the essence of their being and an ever more vivid existence. www.VividExistence.com

I am on fire since my recent experiences...

I am on fire since my recent experiences on the east coast. On my way back from Mexico I flew to Washington, DC for a week to connect with Women For Women International. Being in their offices and meeting the women who run that amazing non-profit was soooooo inspiring. I was welcomed with open arms and there was so much appreciation for all of us who have contributed to the sponsorship program to help our sister survivors of war to recreate their lives. I spent time stuffing envelopes and connecting to other volunteers, one form Yemen! and chatting with various department heads about details of their programs, future goals and possible collaborations. It was so exhilarating!

Among other things I learned about the frequency that that the women in the programs meet, how their emotional and psychological needs are supported and how there are regular opportunities for cultural celebrations including song and dance as part of their community building as part of the program.

I also chatted at Length with Corey Oser, debuty director of programs at length about the men's leadership program. I am passionate about this because as WFWI has discovered, a major paradigm shift cannot occur without male support for women's rights. I am working on new ideas to support thier program to educate male leaders in the Congo to advocate on behalf of their sisters, wives and daugthers. I am always open to men's comments so please chat!

From DC I came directly to Massachusetts to sit in circle with Dr.Jean Shinoda Bolen, Jungian psychologist, Doctor of psychiatry and peace activist, who is bridging the gap between women's mysteries and spiritual activism. Dr. Bolen is known for her books Goddesses in every Woman, Goddesses in Older Woman, The Millionth Circle, Urgent Message from Mother; Gather the Women Save the World and others. It was such an honour and privilege to sit with her and be part of her vision of seeding circles globally to bring peace and prosperity to all. I feel so optimistic about the future of our world when I sit with groups of women who are devoted to supporting the essence of the feminine within themselves in service of all beings. Jean is a wise elder now who draws from mythology, history, the arts and sciences in support of her mystical and spiritual crusade to move us all toward a greater healing consciousness. She is doing her best to raise support for a UN 5th Women's World Conference. Visit

www.5wwc.org for more info.

Blessings and Joy;