Of the Earth (inspired by Olga Ziemska's exhibit at the Morton Arboretum)
small brave thing #162
Hello beautiful human,
I took a brief vacation for my birthday and discovered the Morton Arboretum and stunning art by Olga Ziemska in her Of the Earth exhibit. The whole philosophy of the artist is that we ARE nature, we ARE of the Earth, not separate. The works are stunning.
(More below behind the paywall along with my invitation and glimpse behind the scenes)
I’ve thought for a long time we need to change our paradigm and shift from thinking of “nature” as “out there separate from us” to, well, US, TOO. We ARE nature. Our cities are the same as colonies of wasps. Our homes like bird nests and beaver dams. So Ziemska’s art hits home for me.
I AM Nature. And. There’s a lot to be said for going out into nature as well. Over the weekend I enjoyed the Morton Arboretum and also Prairie Wildlife Park, where we got to see bison and wolves up close during the day and, with no city lights around, the starry constellations clear and revelatory at night.
I admit, I cried there under the stars. Deep, silent, shuddery sobs that felt cleansing and opening and reminded me of the old truth that the deepest prayers are wordless.
We ARE nature. Nature sings within us and when we go out to connect we are not only connecting to “nature” but also connecting to ourselves.
Your time and attention are the true gifts. Thank you. xoS
The Gallery
As gratitude, I always share a few “good goodies,” a gallery of Small Brave Things I’ve come across: photos, art or quotes, links, and a peek or two behind the scenes for my paid subscribers. Thank you for supporting one woman’s explorations, reveries and recoveries. You have my heart.