Gaia's gift of Weather: Thoughts on Hurricane Irene, Preparedness and Presence

Much of the Eastern seaboard, including my little spot in western Vermont is under the baleful eye of Hurricane Irene. Despite the scare tactics and fear mongering I saw in the news this week, it has been a wonderful opportunity to tune in to the messages of the land,  to pay attention to what needs tending in our immediate surroundings, and to harness the power of Gaia's breath.

In the days before the onset of the storm, I spent some time preparing myself and my home for the effects of the storm- making sure I had ways to care for myself, even if power went out or I was cut off from travel due to downed trees or flooding.  I have extra water, a source of heat and fire for cooking (both a wood stove and wood and a propane cook stove), plenty of non perishable foods- canned fish, beans, hearty greens, lactofermented pickles, sauerkraut, apples and such.  My herbal pantry is stocked with nervines, and I've been imbibing nervine teas with chamomile and lavender.

    And certainly not least, I've spent a good portion of the weekend outside on the land- feeling the incredible stillness and anticipation in the air.  All the plants and trees communicating their awareness and readiness for the oncoming storm- reassuring me that storms come and go, and life continues to flourish and flower.  I gathered medicines for the upcoming winter months- elderberries, alder branches, boneset, hawthorn berries - and put them up into elixirs, oils, and tinctures.

This storm is a reminder to be to always be living each moment fully- fully present, aware and connected.  That each moment is precious- whether it is our last or one of many more to come.  Things around us can change in the blink of an eye, or in a matter of hours in a storm.  And to be well prepared for life's storms.  Although we can't anticipate everything that might come our way, we can prepare ourselves, through attention and presence, and wise planning to have on hand the resources we might need in many cases.  Food, medicine, community support, back up plans.

As the winds are picking up here, I'm struck by the awesome power and beauty in the storm at hand.  It brings me closer to my humanity, and more in touch with the precious present moment, the trees that surround my house, the river that runs through this little mountain town, my senses are fully aware.

While this storm is blowing through, I'm thinking of the things I'd like to release and wash away, and what I'd like to breath power and life into.  The elements of water and air-  emotion and mental precision. Set your intention with forethought and passion- use the power of these elements to manifest, release and empower.

Wishing safety and peace to all as we journey through this storm!