Feeling much gratitude for the invitation to Keep the Well!

I feel all of those who have preceded me in the tender, tending of the wellspring—thank you all.

As often occurs for me, I am drawn to the water, that mysterious substance that even scientists cannot fully explain. It’s been my life’s vocation as an aquatic ecologist researching and studying ways to restore the health of freshwaters, knowing that its flow and health is inseparable from all of existence.  From alpine lakes to our little Ashland Creek running through town, waterhas also always been my solace and place of deep presence, the antidote to the clamoring world. As I chose my place to have some solo time today, I was drawn to Ashland Creek, and finding a spot to sit mid channel with water flowing around me in all directions, I sat for a bit in silence, and these words came to be written down:

A seat on a rock

middle of the stream.

Ceaseless flow—no one to let go.

All the grasping but a dream.

Only This!

the squawk of the Steller’s jay

the butterfly dancing in and out of vision

the sweet sound of water’s mystery

as it flows to the sea perfectly shaded by big leaf maple.

My mind may clamor,

the world may clamor… but,

here in the midst of the ancestors and the children of tomorrow,

feet washed by the tears of Christ,

thoughts distant and unformed…

Still

Only

This!

Blessings to all!

Jacob