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Writer's pictureRudy A. Elter

When We Practise We Remember: Finding Belonging By Slowing Down



Closing my eyes as I walk through the forest I savour the precious fall sunlight

streaming through the leaves that linger; ascending trunks and their arching branches

display luminous multi coloured leaves; the whole forest glows hues of red, yellow, and

green. The smell of leaves in the fall is one of my favourite things about nature, the

progression from a crisp warm fragrance to rich fertile earth. It is all so holy. Watching

the subtle changes from week to week is humbling, it’s constant and has nothing to do

with me, and, I am a part of this wonder. Dependant, grateful, and in awe.


Across from my apartment building is a primary school, recess is held in a fenced-in

concrete courtyard, a few ball games are dispersed throughout, there are raised garden

beds along one edge. The children play and run around, the odd soccer ball will

escape the enclosure, and a group rushes to press their bodies against the fence

asking anyone that passes to help them retrieve their ball. The city is replacing the

water pipes along the street that divides the school and my home. As I walked by I

hear a construction worker scolding the children for allegedly attempting to create a

game of fetch, he’s threatening to hold onto the ball, the kids apologize and they get

their ball back. What if the kids were just bored and seeking connection, wanting to gift

play to someone who maybe looked a little bored too.


It’s hard to be bored when you’re surrounded by nature, it’s impossible to be alone.

And yet, we can feel bored and lonely, especially when we don’t understand how to

exist when surrounded by the more than human. All one has to do is breathe and be.

But when every moment is scheduled and we are constantly busy; sometimes we

forget that we are enough; that we are allowed to just exist.




I love mosquitoes, I really do. They get to exist, even if they are irritating to me. Even if

their bites swell and itch with a fury. They feed dragonflies, mystical beings that many

believe carry messages from the dead to the living, myriads of iridescent remembering.

Regardless, mosquitoes are also a part of this wonder. They don’t exist to please us.


It’s this teaching above all else that has earned my respect and love. The natural world

is our ancestors and teachers. Have we forgotten how to listen? Or are we out of

practise, and too busy?


When we practise we remember; we are a part. In the forest I breathe deeply and

visualize the microbes of the decaying leaves and logs filling my lungs, they ensure our

internal ecosystem thrives, boosting immunity and stimulating the release of

neurotransmitters. My gaze softens and my nervous system relaxes. A bird glides to a

neighbouring branch. The bird remembers.


The neon orange bucket hats we ask every child to wear when they are in our care are

recognized by the birds. Before we bring out the sunflower seeds they are beginning to

flock. Teaching the children what qualities the birds require to trust them enough to

land on their hand is profound. Your gaze must be soft, tender, subtle.



Living in a city we can hold so much focus and presence in our eyes, constantly stimulated by things

to lookout for and admire, directing energy with our gaze. The birds will not approach

you if your energy is in your eyes, you have to breath with the trees. The children want

to feed the birds so badly. They are bursting with emotion that is so clearly observed in

their eyes and the movements of their bodies. They Want, but this does not impress

the birds, birds need to feel safe before they will trust. I lead the children through

different energy visualizations, demonstrating posture as I describe what I feel inside.



The first time a bird lands on a child’s hand is transformative. They feel how breakable

and precious the creature is, they are shocked to learn the tiny claws prickle, but aren’t

painful. Holding a whole being in the palm of your hand, one that has chosen to trust

you; the child becomes consciously aware of the power and reasonability of their

energy and gaze. They remember.


You are invited to enroll your child(ren), ages 4 - 12 years of age to join us for any Friday during the Autumnal season to slow down, practise and connect. Please register here.

Drop-ins are always welcomed!

**Registration will close each Wednesday at 11:59pm before the following Friday.


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