For the past two years I have been blessed to work on the beautiful land of my Cowichan ancestors. My office has been located right next to the Quw'utsun' Cultural & Conference Centre along the Cowichan River. Sadly our office is changing location, and I have found myself packing up & getting ready to leave this beautiful space.
When I returned back to the island after living up north, I was so happy to be in the Cowichan Valley, and I felt such a strong connection to the land. This is the place where my ancestors lived and thrived. I was so happy when I went to work for my first day to discover my office would be on this territory and specifically along the banks of the Cowichan River. I felt at home in my office, and had a real sense of grounding. No matter how chaotic work could get and how much I felt like I wanted to fly away, I could go to my office, take a moment, and once again feel strongly grounded.
Yesterday I decided to take advantage of not only the connection I feel to this place, but also the beautiful sunny day. I took my lunch down to the river. It was so sunny and warm, and it felt like Spring was greeting me.
I have been feeling really sad, and wasn't quite sure what exactly that sadness was connected to. As I sat by the river and looked around me I realized I was grieving leaving this space.
And spring reminded me that it is also a new beginning...
So today I decided that I am going to make the most of the time I have left here, and once again I took my lunch down to the river. There was a round grouping of rocks and it felt like they were calling my name. I sat down, crossed my legs, and took in a moment of mindfulness. I closed my eyes. Felt the warmth of the sun on my cheeks. Listened to the river as it flowed past me, and the eagle cry. I opened my eyes and looked across the river to see a soaking wet otter scurrying along the river bank. I looked to my right and saw an earthworm making it's way toward the water. There were 2 ducks cruising down the river, riding the current. They woudl ride it for a while, and then fly up river and cruise back down. I couldn't help but smile at the fun they were having.
I gazed at the beautiful moss covered rock in front of me and beside it I notices a tiny budding tree.
I took in my favourite view upstream toward the train trellis. Across the river I saw a beautiful eagle. That's where the cry must have been coming from. It was as though I could feel my great grandfather's spirit in that eagle telling me everything would be ok.
I raised my hands and gave thanks to the Creator, for taking my journey to the place of my ancestors. I walked back toward my office, and once again noticed the signs of spring and new beginnings.
Huy ch q'a Siem.
