In a recent Jewish Meditation class, in the context of “Paying Attention and Being Present” as a core Jewish idea, we went to the front doorway, which is now arched with a gorgeous star jasmine bush fragrant, lush, heaven-scented. We together recited the blessing for experiencing a fragrant bush/tree:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam,Borei atzei v’samim.
Blessed are You, Holy One of Blessing, whose Presence fills creation, who creates fragrant trees.
And then! One of the students noticed a tiny nest (no wait – two!!) that she thinks are hummingbird nests!! Oh joy! My favorite bird (along with yellow finches 🙂 Mah Norah HaMakom HaZeh: How awesome is this place.
And unless we slow down, we are able to “walk sightless among miracles” as Rabbi Chaim Stern wrote. SO – a poem on this day by Mary Oliver, a poet who helps us see….
The Hummingbird
By Mary Oliver
It’s morning, and again I am that lucky person who is in it.
And again it is spring,
and there are the apple trees,
and the hummingbird in its branches.
On the green wheel of his wings
he hurries from blossom to blossom,
which is his work, that he might live.
He is a gatherer of the fine honey of promise,
and truly I go in envy
of the ruby fire at his throat,
and his accurate, quick tongue,
and his single-mindedness.
Meanwhile the knives of ambition are stirring
down there in the darkness behind my eyes,
and I should go inside now to my desk and my pages.
But still I stand under the trees, happy and desolate,
wanting for myself such a satisfying coat
and brilliant work.
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