I remember once sitting outside to enjoy the warm, summer air.

It was early evening, and the moonflowers were just beginning to bloom; their gentle unfolding sweetening the twilight’s return.

I heard an urgent rustling just to the left, beyond the trees. As my eyes turned to sharpened focus, I saw a burnished glint challenging the fields of grey. It was a woodland fox peeking bravely through, careful to honor the space between.

He stood there briefly before venturing forward; his mittened paws bearing the brunt of all fears. I watched as his ears pricked to the evening’s sounds, convinced I might soon lose the ambered grace before me.

After what seemed an eternity, he finally relented – bowing his head to join me there in the stillness. When I felt the time right, I offered my hand.

With each precarious sniff, I felt his fear eventually waning. Before long, he sidled up right next to me. We sat there for a moment admiring this blessing of night, and the good fortune of finding our way through.

It reminded me of a passage contained within the Isa Upanhishad; “He who sees all beings in the Self and the Self in all beings, never turns away.”

Perhaps, he recognized within me that which all wish to believe — that we are each an integral part of this one human family.

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ❤️