Story Info
Story Info
Joanne Martin
Darlington, Pennsylvania, USA
2017
Type of Wounded Place
Story & Experience
Never in my life have I rejected nature, particularly the little ecosystems that I’ve lived within. When I moved to my now home 6 years ago the gas fracking boom was taking off. Now there is a petrochemical plant being built in our community to process the gas by-products with 4 more plants planned for the wider region. “Cancer alley” is our new name.
Even while joining with other activists to protest these events, somehow I also withdrew and closed myself off from the wild life happenings at my homestead. I hardened and closed my heart. This year, I chose to do a solo Earth Exchange feeling that I HAVE wounded my own eco-home here with my rejection.
I wandered allowing the wild happenings to call to me—the snake skin, the dark cool under the pines, the gnat at my ear, shadows, dew drops, the wind! There was nothing for me to do other than allow my heart to be touched. I wasn’t struck by a lightning bolt of wisdom, or hit on the head with a snapping branch of insight. I was gently reminded of the resilience and unjudging stance of nature. She does what She does with or without my attention. But Oh! Maybe my reverence, gratitude and love will be felt by Her and my heart wants to offer Her those gifts.
Never in my life have I rejected nature, particularly the little ecosystems that I’ve lived within. When I moved to my now home 6 years ago the gas fracking boom was taking off. Now there is a petrochemical plant being built in our community to process the gas by-products with 4 more plants planned for the wider region. “Cancer alley” is our new name.
Even while joining with other activists to protest these events, somehow I also withdrew and closed myself off from the wild life happenings at my homestead. I hardened and closed my heart. This year, I chose to do a solo Earth Exchange feeling that I HAVE wounded my own eco-home here with my rejection.
I wandered allowing the wild happenings to call to me—the snake skin, the dark cool under the pines, the gnat at my ear, shadows, dew drops, the wind! There was nothing for me to do other than allow my heart to be touched. I wasn’t struck by a lightning bolt of wisdom, or hit on the head with a snapping branch of insight. I was gently reminded of the resilience and unjudging stance of nature. She does what She does with or without my attention. But Oh! Maybe my reverence, gratitude and love will be felt by Her and my heart wants to offer Her those gifts.
Darlington, Pennsylvania, USA
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