Reverence

Photo Taken By: Lisa Melara, October 2024 ~ Zion National Park

I was recently fortunate to make a first visit of three of our United State National Parks. They included Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon. I paid close attention to how I felt and observed others in the presence of our earth’s natural beauty. To a large degree, people around me, were quiet, respectful, reflective, and in a state of wonder and awe. There were a few exceptions. In those cases, a select few acted as if they were at an amusement park, grocery store or walking down a regular city street. Their behavior, volume of voice and demeanor did not adjust to these extraordinary and humbling places.

In those moments, I had the opportunity to choose how I reacted. I took a moment to consider whether I was going to let their behavior impact how I was feeling or how I experienced the environment. It was much easier to do, as I was free, on vacation, and more relaxed than usual.

I now consider how I might carry the reverence and perspective of letting go of others behavior. How can I diminish the power of attitudes, voices, opinions, brashness, and harsh words in my life? How can I practice seeing it for what it is and yet refocusing on those who might take a gentler approach? Should the outliers get my attention and energy? Rather, can I recognize them as outliers and focus on those around me who are in the moment.

In doing so, I pay tribute to beauty, wonder, awe, reverence, humanity, kindness, and timelessness. I give honor to those things and dampen the rest. I respect and focus attention on what is important and what will remain long after the noise has left or silenced. I pay homage to people and places that existed long before me and will outlive me. I am then able to share this reverence with others. We see each other and recognize our way or proceeding. It is in this collective spiritual connection that we are one with others.