I am deeply delighted to live on a planet that is so big and varied that I can confidently say that right this very minute somewhere in the world a crossword puzzle is being completed, a fortune cookie is being snapped open and a song just brought someone to tears. I love knowing that while I am fast asleep in California, a crowd is gathered around the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, a marriage proposal is taking place and a leaf-cutter ant somewhere in Costa Rica is carrying a leaf piece back to its nest. It’s not at all unlikely that as astronauts eat dinner in zero gravity, Tibetan monks are laying down sand mandalas and people in lab coats are examining their latest results as they search for a cancer cure. Simultaneously, baby sea turtles scurry down Florida beaches, an elk rubs its antlers on a tree trunk in Yellowstone and a kid in a superhero cape tells a knock-knock joke in an Arizona coffee shop. Meanwhile, a toddler takes her first steps, an old diary appears after a loved one’s death and a family is rearranging their living room furniture. Two strangers awkwardly exchange names in an elevator that just got stuck. Birthday candles are about to be blown out. An orange is being sliced into eighths and a storm is brewing. All the while, mycorrhizal fungi underground are busy communicating with trees in a mind-boggling secret system of coexistence that we’re only just beginning to wrap our brains around. In every instant, the sun is rising in one place and setting someplace else. And the moon is waxing or waning again, just as it did when the dinosaurs roamed before Pangaea split into seven pieces. Isn’t it fantastic?
Lea Redmond crafts objects, designs experiences, writes books, and plays with ideas in her studio in Oakland, California. Participate in creative projects and keep in touch with Lea at LeaRedmond.com and visit her storefront, Lucky Penny Parlor, in downtown Oakland at 329 15th Street.
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Share Your Comments and Reflections on this Conversation:
On Apr 7, 2024 Naida Hyde wrote:
Thank you for this remarkable prose poem, wonderful images and superb rhythm. I didn't want it to end. I am in British Columbia, Canada, and wanted the elk to be here. Another time. Come visit our exquisite country.On Dec 23, 2021 Del Rainer wrote:
Yes, and you can thank the pandemic for bringing this and the many changes that are coming about with the end of the usury money system.On Aug 12, 2021 Kristi Ogle wrote:
What an amazing statement about our world. You opened a new wing in the house of my mind.On Mar 19, 2019 Manny wrote:
I absolutely love what you say here. It is really remarkable the things that happen on a daily basis that we often don't think about. When you really sit down to think about it, it staggers one's imagination. It's cool to think that as I toss away trash as a junk removal in Las Vegas, the trash I collect and toss often reminds me of different stories as to where it came from, to begin with. I see things like old cassettes and wonder what it was like for the person that first purchased and listened to it. Maybe an old lamp that's busted up; where did it come from? How was it displayed when it first sold? How much was it? There are stories behind everything!On Nov 6, 2018 Roxane wrote:
Thank you for sharing the real news of the day. This is what matters most. I appreciate the reminder!On Nov 2, 2018 Bhaskar wrote:
Thank you for noticing, and for helping us to notice <3On Oct 31, 2018 donna wrote:
Well done. You have given a new perspective to what a great, varied and interesting world we live in. ThanksOn Oct 31, 2018 Jana wrote:
And I'm deeply grateful to be a minuscule part of our phenomenonal universe ðŸ™On Oct 31, 2018 Robert Iles Todd wrote:
"Isn't it fantastic?", YES!!!On Oct 31, 2018 suhama lohia wrote:
One minute is as vast as this planet, as precious as this universe. It's big and varied. so many thingshappen in this one minute. Its magnitude, it's multitude. It's magnificence. For me it's the definition of
eternity. Love it, respect it.
On Oct 31, 2018 rwp wrote:
Thanks for the reminder (in these troubling times) of the good that is always occurring around us on this tiny revolving miracle and for which it is worth waking up to each day so as to help more good to come into existence.On Oct 31, 2018 gale patrick wrote:
Lea's piece brought a smile to my face - gave peace and clarity to my true being-On Oct 31, 2018 Brandi wrote:
This was such a refreshing read. I wish she had a book of “graces†to read each night before bed. What a peaceful way to reset my thoughts before going to sleep.On Oct 30, 2018 David wrote:
We can reflect on the creating ability and the wisdom of sovereign God ,who made,making it happen now and continue to make even we are long gone.Let us be thankful of our lives and being part of this immense vibrant earth where we can co exist in harmony.
On Oct 30, 2018 Diana wrote:
Beautiful, beautiful. Both the language and the wonderful pictures it conjures up. I also love the fact that this is something we can ALL share. We need to hear and reflect on things like this, in the times we are currently living in, and to know beyond doubt, that this too shall pass.On Oct 30, 2018 Rudi Harst wrote:
The sound you probably are not hearing where you are right now, is the very real sound of me breathing a deep sigh of relief, as I turn my inner ear from the relentless background noise of tragedy, dishonesty and violence in our society -- and tune into the beauty and humor of this wonderfully written piece instead. May all beings be blessed, as I am, by the creation and sharing of these words.On Oct 30, 2018 Betsy Hoekstra wrote:
I often think just like this! Thanks for sharing!On Oct 30, 2018 Phyllis LUTJEANS wrote:
Absolutely wonderous! Be aware; you are here in the now.On Oct 30, 2018 Stan White wrote:
That's beautiful. I felt and relished your every statement. The 6 most important things I have learned in my 87 years are love, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, thankfulness, and appreciation. I appreciate your gift, what you have written for us. Thank you.On Oct 30, 2018 linda wrote:
So beautifully written...On Oct 30, 2018 Len Johnson wrote:
i.e. For 20 years, researchers counting dead salmon tossed them on the side of a shallow creek. The result, it turns out, was healthier, faster-growing trees.On Oct 30, 2018 Len Johnson wrote:
Each of us who took the time to read your words, could add a line or two and make this that you started go on forever.On Oct 30, 2018 Pauline Cecere wrote:
fabulous! Thank you for the reminder of how big this world is.On Oct 30, 2018 Heather wrote:
Thank you so much, Lea. This was a beautiful piece to think of this early morning as I have my steel oats and listen to some Baroque music while experiencing my new home.On Oct 30, 2018 Sally wrote:
Thank you for a beautiful reflection.On Oct 30, 2018 Karen Richardson wrote:
Awesome! This piece is so timely. Taking a moment to step away from my microscopic view of life and take in the big picture made me exhale. Fantastic indeed!On Oct 30, 2018 Kristin Pedemonti wrote:
Thank you! Beautiful reminder of the larger world and all the beauty in it <3On Oct 30, 2018 Adewale wrote:
Yes, it is fantastic. What a beautiful piece. I wish there was moreOn Oct 30, 2018 preeti gupta wrote:
this is just so beautifulOn Oct 30, 2018 Mary Lou Nord wrote:
I love this reflection. It is what I needed to begin my day. Thank you, Lea RedmondOn Oct 30, 2018 doug wrote:
Thank you for gracing my morning with this contemplative piece that helps me to keep perspective in challenging times.Noticing and experiencing the ache and the awe of our lives as part of our human experience is a discipline calling me into being.
On Oct 30, 2018 Grace wrote:
such a special piece of writing - an illustration of life's awe inspiring simplicity bound in amongst the complexities ! just what I need to read at this time of the world and my life within it - I thank youOn Oct 30, 2018 Trishna Shah wrote:
Loved this piece, thanks for sharing Lea! â¤ï¸On Oct 30, 2018 Jill wrote:
Gratitude this morning as I read this. Life on this earth plane is just grand â¤ï¸ Thank you!On Oct 30, 2018 Debbie wrote:
This was a wonderful thing to read as my day starts. How fortunate we are to ride through space on this planet.On Oct 30, 2018 Melinda wrote:
Amazing perspective opening our eyes to the wonder of the world in snippets of detail. I love it! Made me smile and think about the wonders of this world once again. Such a treasure!On Oct 30, 2018 Verna wrote:
Thank you for this amazing piece of writing. A great way to start my day. I can visualize all that is written and it leaves me with a sense of wonder, hope and gratitude.It leaves me feeling deeply inspired and wanting to read more.....
On Apr 4, 2018 Carol wrote:
This made me cry. Tears of joy. And such gratitude for being alive and being a creature who can experience such beauty and extraordinary-ness with aconsciousness. wow.On Mar 21, 2018 Michael wrote:
A wonderfully inventive approach to the doldrums expressed in everyday media. This is so the opposite of 'fake news'.It leaves one with a feeling of joy and...dare I say Hope?On Mar 20, 2018 Kim Papanicolaou wrote:
Great perspective and thought provoking way to change your mindset instantly. Thank you. My mind went to joyful thoughts almost immediately when the moment before, they had been full of negativity.