Companionship and Understanding

As a community, we’ve found deep connection in the natural world, often more profound than what we’ve shared with others. In our youth, the night sky, the ocean, and the trees offered us solace and a sense of belonging. We remember how the night would comfort us, allowing our minds to wander freely. The ocean and the night together surrounded our little lives with a reassurance that could not be affronted by the behavior of human beings. The ocean’s vastness reminded us of life’s continuity, beyond daily challenges. Even in storms, the resilience of the oak tree became a source of strength. These experiences grounded us, helping us process our emotions and find peace. Nature didn’t just surround us; it became part of who we are, offering companionship and understanding that shaped our inner lives.

May the enduring embrace of nature's night and ocean
surround us with a reassurance unshaken by the world's turmoil.

(inspired by Howard Thurman, With Head and Heart)