Only one in a million birds might find ribbon streams and create a boutique nest for its young. Likewise, only one eye in a million, like the one of amateur wildlife photographer, Susan Woodock, might spot and photograph this rare image while tramping through the Colorado countryside.
Susan's story shows what incredible strength and perseverance is required by a creative intuitive to survive family and peers and to follow her passion. When a child, Susan's sister called her, "Stupid Suzy," because she did not talk much. Susan believed she could communicate without speaking and was surprised when the other children laughed at her and didn't understand. She believed that the trees and rocks and animals understood her, and she them. Nature was her true home and family where she always felt welcomed and accepted. Today, educators call this "nature intelligence." As a child people confused her solitude with antisocial behavior instead of seeing it as a gift and a way to 'be in the world' on her terms. They dubbed her "antisocial" when she preferred long walks in the woods with her cat. In school, she excelled in sports and thrived on the energy of being in the zone, just like when she was in nature.
As an adult, Susan has lived a solitary life with a few solid, good friends because she has a spiritual connection to earth and to animals that I've not observed before. Her idea of fun is camping in Yellowstone near the buffalo and moose herds, waiting for the right moment to capture nature on film. A perfect day is one where a fox will stop and sit with her and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Or napping with a Moose in the Rocky Mountains, exchanging heart energy. In those moments, life is perfect. Nothing is needed. Communion with nature makes life complete and full.
In Susan's words, " I just go out everyday looking for something out of the ordinary during an routine day. I am never let down by nature and it's ability to teach me and surprise me. "Holy moments" are everywhere, and all we have to do is slow down, look, listen and expect them. They usually are not earth shattering; they come in split seconds. But those split seconds can be profound and life affirming and life altering in their power.
"You have to be aware they are out there or you will miss them. Like this nest that was in a grove of apple trees tucked out of the way. I almost walked by it. You emailed me the day before about the concert violinist who performed in a subway and was unnoticed by almost everyone, except a few. People were in such a hurry and in their routine, they never heard the beauty of his music and missed out on an incredible 'moment'. The next day as I was taking a walk, I kept that email in my head. I walked slower and breathed, and asked to be shown something new. I looked to my right and there it was, the nest of ribbons. Life is good!
Follow your passion, creativity and intuition. It feels fantastic.
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