My dog Anouk has changed the way she walks.  We used to hike for hours, exercising all the way.  Recently she has gone on strike part way through our walks — coming to a full stop, sitting or laying down, not moving until I turn around and head home.  I have become aware that she goes on strike when we exercise walk, fast moving, no sniffs.

Anouk is happiest, tail wagging, when we stroll along and she has ample time to stick her head and nose deep into an incredible sniff!  She is more interested in knowing the Land: who lives there, what is happening and changing from visit to visit.  She wants to be slow, to spend quality time with Mother Earth.

This new way of being for Anouk is reminding me of how important it is to spend quality time with Land, with Mother Earth: listening to Her voice, learning from Her rhythms, grounding, opening my heart, breathing deeply.  The more quality time I spend on Land, the happier I am.  Anouk has reminded me of the most powerful healing force in our lives: the Sacred.

I invite you to spend quality time with your Land:  open your heart, engage all your senses, offer Love to all the beauty around you.  Notice what happens inside you and how your interior changes with this beautiful connection.