Entombed

The theme of my walk repeated itself over and over: entombment. Bits of grass, leaves, sticks, even papers are trapped beneath a layer of ice.

At first this feels stifling, suffocating—but then I begin to notice that each item is breaking free. The maple leaf’s edge is flapping in the fierce wind. A stick creating the body of what appears to be an ice dragonfly is protruding from the clear, crystalline surface. Ochre and green blades of grass are thrusting their swords through tiny openings in the frozen water. And even the thick, yellowish paper pokes its corner through milky, hazy ice.

I realize that when I think I’m stuck, I’m actually being held by God. I am not ready for what lies ahead—not yet. Part of me pushes on, exposed, flailing out into the elements. But Wisdom bids me wait until the sun warms me, until breaking out of my entombment does not harm me. When the ice melts, every part of me is ready to move on, unencumbered.

I may not like being held, for sometimes being enclosed feels constrictive—God’s arms have a weight to them that is unlike anything else I’ve experienced. But if I am relaxed and nonresistant, I can see outside myself and observe the beauty unfolding. I am not trapped after all.

All photos © Sondra Sula.

Inevitable Movement

“Escaping the Wind” by Sondra Sula

Everything is moving. Some things, such as dragonfly wings, are moving so fast we can barely see them, and other things, such as rocks, are moving so slowly, they appear to be stationary. Have you ever been standing outside and thought: the earth is moving me right now, rotating me from day to night to day? Well, it’s true!

“Teasel Layer Cake” by Sondra Sula

A mighty wind was present today as I walked with great confidence on the surface of our spinning planet, completely unaware as to whether I was walking with the movement or against it. The wind allowed me access to insects that would normally be too speedy to photograph up close because they were trying to shelter themselves. I was also able to see plants moving: petals fluttering, flowers sailing, and leaves bracing against bursts of air.

“Queen of Spades” by Sondra Sula

When I get stuck and feel like I’m going nowhere, it helps me to remember that the whole earth is moving me. The dark night will turn into day even if I’m standing still. And if I defiantly run counter to the rotation, I will eventually feel the sunlight on my back anyway because I can’t outwit a movement that’s been happening long before human existence.

“Petals Aflutter” by Sondra Sula