There is a Japanese word that I recently discovered,
Yūgen
It has to do with a deep emotional response that is triggered by a profound awareness of the universe (Wikepedia)
When I encountered it, I was visiting my childhood home. It was the day I arrived and was taking a walk, soaking in the East coast air, the great big sky and the changing leaves. Everything about the sights, sounds and scents of that moment made me think of my dad, how he would appreciate each of these experiences … for this is what we shared … a love of the wonder of nature …yūgen.
Two years ago today I heard his voice for the last time, as I called to wish him a happy birthday.
Now there is silence.
Yet, because of our shared love and awareness of the natural world, I am reminded of him in the call of the coyotes, the mysterious fluttering of a hummingbird’s wings, the sunrise and sunset (red sky in morning, sailors take warning. red sky at night, sailors delight), the early spring budding of pussy willows, the scent of artisan roses, the moon big and bright in the sky … a leaf fluttering and falling from the branch of a tree.
You see, I still see him, hear him, for our shared love of nature, of Creation echos within me.
Two years later, I am learning to not only appreciate this nature connection, not only seeing him in that which we loved and shared, but I am learning the value of leaving a legacy. Leaving whispers of encouragement and love for those you love.
Leaving whispers in the dark that say, not just remember me, but remember who you were in my heart.
itsawonderfilledlife 