The Land of Promise

- Our Canadian Adventures Begin

While America is known as ‘the land of opportunity’, research revealed to me when writing my third memoir, intrepid Soul, Canada is known for being ‘the land of promise’ - at least, this is how Somerset Maugham - English novelist, playwright, and short-story writer - saw Canada in 1914.

I must add that anyone living, navigating, surviving and thriving on Earth at this time in history truly is an intrepid Soul!

When I last visited Canada 7 years ago and stayed for six months, marking my third visit, there was something about the land I felt very connected to. What was obvious were the beautiful landscapes, no matter the season, and I loved the people and how they were there for each other - they also knew how to have fun and celebrate life. Back then, a whole new world opened up for me as I experienced what it meant to live in and with community where we cared about each other.

This time, the land of promise has revealed a deeper layer of awareness that I have felt in my connection to her waters, lakes and streams. So bountiful in minerals is the element of water where I am in Ontario, that I find my entire body is drawn to soak and swim, despite the sudden onset of chilly unseasonal days.

Whether sunshine, rain or storms (don’t tell my mother! 🤣) I have delighted immersing my body in nature’s fresh soothing silvery waters and heartfully appreciated feeling the after-affects of supple soft skin along with a centred calm, as if each dip has washed away more of that hidden debris - it’s quite the mystery.

In the lead-up to travelling to my friend’s lakeside property I could feel the energies of excitement building; where an internal resting point was nurturing, stable and protective and simultaneously everything surrounding me was fast-moving and chaotic, pulling at me to become more involved - an interesting dynamicity. This showed me a recalibration of balance was taking place where I could take on more and accomplish each task with ease.

A Full Moon Mind

Yesterday’s full moon in Aquarius called me to connect deeper with the trees. As a child held in nature’s loving arms, I marvelled at the raindrops that hung like crystals from the branches of the Balsam Fir. Tall White Birch trees I learned have other common names such as paper birch or canoe birch. Then there are the Spruce and Jack Pine trees; I love watching them sway in the breeze, listening to the language of leaves and observing their individuality.

Curiously, that was where my mind led me to reflect, on my and our individuality. I wrote a poem that captures its essence… shared at the end of this post.

So when my dear friend Peggy, who I met in 2012 on our sacred women’s journey in Peru, spoke of the benefits of the Cedar tree, to drink as a hot beverage and to bath in or have a foot bath to celebrate this full moon, I was excited for the experience. What a heartwarming way to honour one’s body - the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual - and release deeper into one’s natural and native way of being.

I followed the edge of the lake, where I was told the Cedars grow…

I asked two Cedar trees for permission to collect a couple of branches, the size of my hand and gratefully received them. Back at the house I then boiled them for 10 minutes (instructed at this site) and inhaled the steam while delighting in their aroma. It may sound harsh to boil fresh leaves, though I felt humbled and conscious throughout the experience, in full reverence with the trees’ offering.

I then drank a cup of decanted fresh Cedar tea and allowed the remainder to cool sufficiently so I could place my feet in the bowl.

Of course, there are many benefits to a Cedar foot bath. For me, it felt soothing after the hiking I have done in previous weeks, but there was also an inner harmonious peace that is difficult to describe with mere words.

Later, after dinner, I ventured back to the Cedars to place the leaves at the base of their trees - in honour and respect of their gift.

It was a lovely evening to watch the sun set over the lake…

Your Words, My Words, Universal…

No borders, no boundaries
A pocket of paradise...

What are my words?

So many teachings
Influence my self-expression
A voice born from others
Not my own

Universal copyright
Nobody owns
Available for download
Free to anyone who listens

Only beneath and within
Above and beyond
Can I discern and translate
What IS mine alone

It is there and not there
In flowing fluid form
Not tangible yet understood
In a world of its own

If I were to speak it
Would others understand?
Or would my voice be cast aside
Too otherworldly to comprehend?

No longer does it matter
The pleasure is mine to feel
Embodied in love's fusions
My reality is real

So as I wander
Through the forest
Appreciating the uniqueness of each tree
I remind myself of the dignity
I share openly, that is me

Knowing my words are a construct
Of my frequency
I return to my peaceful place
In this moment of self-mastery.

©LM(19-20/08/2024)

Love’s blossoming endeavours continue as the sun slips out from behind another cloud. What species of trees do you have near you? Maybe you live in or close to a forest too. Alternatively, you may have fond memories of immersing yourself in one. I’d love to read about your findings.

Thank you so much for being here… it is a joy to journey with you!

Love’s Harmony,

Leanda Michelle ✍🏼