Hello, welcome to our hive, and thank you for joining us today. Jazianzza and I know that there are many things, perhaps now more than ever, that could be calling your attention. We are grateful that you are here with us.
There’s so much uncertainty in the world, so many things to pull our attention from one event to another. It can be hard to just be present, right here and now. Jazi and I want to share a profound, five-minute video from Harrison Ford. We’ve watched it over and over again, each time sinking into it a bit more. It’s called “Listening to the Quiet.”
We invite you to stop now and take 5 minutes to immerse yourself in a stunning video of our extraordinary world. Here’s the link:
Isn’t it amazing to see nature captured in this way? And the message speaks to what Jazi and I are hoping people can receive from her memoir, Bee-Coming Strong. Several times in the book, short descriptions are included in the hope that children, as well as adults, will take the time to find wonder in the little things. One example is Jazianzza describing the difference between how slowly Lydah Butter Fly flaps her wings compared to how her own wings move at an almost unfathomable rate (about 240 times/second!).
The idea is to slow down, especially now, in these times of huge transition and uncertainty, and pay attention to nature – listen to the quiet.
It can bring us back home to our own nature, which is one of inherent goodness, kindness, and love. I firmly believe if world leaders, those in positions of power and influence, parents, all people, were to regularly spend some quality time in nature, just “listening to the quiet” it would help bring about a kinder, calmer, more loving world.
The great Rabindranath Tagore said, “For many years, at great cost, I traveled through many countries, saw the high mountains, the oceans. The only things I did not see were the sparkling dewdrops in the grass just outside my door.” Let’s not make that same mistake.
The only way Jazi was able to save the day was through the strength she gained by becoming calm, breathing, and allowing the sense of quiet and confidence she gained by being present in that very moment. I believe we are all being called to do this in these times. Whether this means noticing the way a drop of rain hangs onto a berry or the simple act of smiling at a stranger, we can all do something that creates a greater sense of calm and peace, both within us as well as the world.
Want to watch this again? And this time, try relaxing first; get comfortable, take some deep breaths, and then enjoy the wonder and beauty that has been given to us to take care of, from the smallest ant to the largest whale, from the humble bee to the towering oak. And please, if you feel called, join Harrison Ford in his mission to pay attention to, support, promote, and protect the biodiversity of this magnificent planet, including one another.
Everything is interconnected. Most of the main religions, spiritual paths, and Indigenous traditions reflect this same universal truth, whether it’s called “Oneness” or the “Web of Life.” Listening to the quiet, tuning in to our own nature, our soul, and nature around us, can help us begin to realize there is no “us” vs. “them.” This insight can help transform us and our precious world.
If you are interested to learn more about the E.O. Wilson Foundation the link follows. For a limited time, Harrison Ford is matching all donations. https://eowilsonfoundation.org/
Wishing you a month of listening to the quiet, of sensing the interconnections that make up this miraculous planet, and marveling at the incredible Consciousness that created it.
Young people, I want to beg of you to always keep your eyes open to what Mother Nature has to teach you. By so doing you will learn many valuable things every day of your life.