18th April 2023
Awareness
Listen; attune your ears – what do you hear?
The excited chatter of children,
and the chatter of jackdaws,
wind rustling the leaves,
and feet tapping the road.
Or the drone of cars – too much!
Or the whine of planes – too many!
Look; focus your vision – what do you see?
a lacework of branches against the sky,
and curvaceous clouds,
tawny shades of fallen leaves,
and the tight curl of a snail shell.
Or traffic crawling bumper to bumper – too much
Or discarded tatters of plastic – too many!
Stretch; bare your skin – what do you feel?
The warm caress of the sun,
the chilly nip of the breeze,
the prickle of grass,
the textured bark of a tree
Or the rasp of exhaust in your throat – too much!
Or the scratch of particulates in your eyes – too many!
Sniff; breathe deeply – what do you smell?
The aroma of fresh coffee,
and the zest of orange juice,
the fragrance of the last rose,
and the warmth of ground spices.
Or the reek of petrol – too much!
Or the sting of pesticides – too many!
Savour; let it linger on your tongue – what do you taste?
The fresh acidity of an apple,
and the earthy satisfaction of bread,
the squashy sweetness of banana,
and the melting delight of chocolate.
Or the fake sweetness of green wash – too much!
Or the gall of climate injustice- too many !
Merciful God,
bring us to our senses.
Help us rebuild a world
of right experiences.
Amen.
Taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed are those who trust in God!
Psalm 34:8
The Green Tau 