“That nothing is static or fixed, that all is fleeting and impermanent, is the first mark of existence…Everything—every tree, every blade of grass, all the animals, insects, human beings, buildings, the animate and the inanimate—is always changing, moment to moment.” – Pema Chodron
An interesting lesson was learned today as a result of what I thought would be a routine walk in the woods. Trying to take advantage of an unusually sunshine-y Saturday, I headed to my normal nature reserve for a quick walk. When I got there, I found the gates locked tight with a sign announcing that the area was closed due to a “managed hunt.” At first confused, then totally stunned, I let it sink in what was happening to the deer in the place I typically consider a refuge. Then I felt sick.
Feeling numb, I drove away, giving little thought to where I was actually going. I decided to get on the interstate and head to a place where I’ve never been — Route 66 State Park. To the side of the highway, I saw a billboard for a hospital (one of ours, ironically enough) that read, “Tell me where it hurts.”
I started to cry. Where did it hurt? My heart. I knew the “managed hunt” was probably justified within the professional circles that know best, but this girl who takes so much comfort in watching these deer throughout every season was heartbroken.
But as I wandered around this unfamiliar state park, I eventually found some comfort. (In the interest of full disclosure, a chai tea latte didn’t hurt). I even saw a few deer run by. The unfamiliar had a familiar feel to it. It occurred to me that, while I’ve always taken a lot of comfort from Powder Valley, I’m not sure that I’ve given enough gratitude back for some of the extraordinary gifts that it has yielded over the years. It’s unreasonable to expect life’s blessings to remain unchanged and at our disposal. Things change — for better or worse, justified or not. Blessings are impermanent by nature and are meant to produce gratitude — not entitlement. A lesson I learned the hard way today.
hey there, friends 