THE NATURAL WORLD IS EVERYWHERE: THE NATURE OF BEING
BY STRESSLA LYNN JOHNSON
The natural world is everywhere I am. Even in this steel-concrete cell, behind a 30-foot concrete wall, designed to isolate and foster a sense of hopelessness. The natural world cannot, will not be withheld, or destroyed in the heart and mind of the captive souls. With each breath I take-in-and-let-out I touch and connect to our natural world. I experience the natural world, now with an intentional appreciation for each experience of being connected to the sensation of feeling the rain on my face or hands or feeling the grass under my feet, while watching the geese grazing in the prison yard.
I am humbled by every experience with the natural world around me, while serving my life sentence for egregious crime against two human beings of this natural world. Even as I experience this natural world behind these prison walls, I am not, nor will I ever be oblivious or minimize the harm I caused in the natural world of two families.
The natural world is everywhere I am. Even in this man-made steel-and-concrete prison, the natural world has taken up residency inside the 30-foot wall of concrete. The birds, insects, trees, grass and yes, a healing garden behind the 30-foot wall. It is an area that provides a space to reflect, heal, and experience change.
There is also a connection to the natural world through the people who provide the human elements as volunteers, mentors, supporters and practitioners who ventures beyond that 30-foot wall. | SLJ
"With each breath I take-in-and-let-out I touch and connect to our natural world."
A masterful explanation of how to be present. Thanks for sharing this essay.