I know exactly how you felt. It happened to me once when I was buried in the sand at Virginia Beach (up to my neck). I felt at one with the earth and I have never been more relaxed than I was during the time in the sand. I almost cried when I got dug out of the sand. I realize that sounds weird, but it's the truth.

We all seem to possess a oneness with nature. I believe it is inbred. We can only seem to capture it when we are alone. I have felt it in the Rockies sitting by a flowing stream and looking at the surrounding beauty. It's a very peaceful feeling.

James,thank you for reminding me that we are a part of this vast universe and that we can commune with nature if we are still.

Yes, I know how you felt.

I don't know why I was alone in the house. I was only about 10. My parents were probably at church and it was a beautiful cold evening in December.

Then it began to snow. A hush came over our street when it snowed. The sidewalks got covered as the snow "Landed" as we kids used to say.

You could easily see how big the flakes were by looking at the streetlight in front of our house.The snow would get caught in a shaft of light and would become a
kaleidescope with different shapes and colors of snow crystals.

We had learned at school that each snow flake was completely different from any other and I was mezmerized
by that idea.

I watched that snow and ran out once and turned my face up to it and let it fall on my lips.

I was completely alone but,as you said, James, I felt that I belonged there. I loved being one with nature, and I felt that nature loved me back.

Looks like you have other members of your religion. I had a special tree where I could hide and be alone. Memories recalled with such fondness. Now I watch my youngest grandchild head for the cherry tree on each visit and know why she can sit out there most of the day and be happy. Thank you for this stirring of good thoughts. Plus, I'm glad it didn't end with you crashing through the roof into the toilet!

What a lovely memory whatever the location. I recall experiences such as that, especially when I was alone with nature, leaned against a tree, motionless and still. The feeling is exquisite. The creatures would begin to accept me as belonging to the world, would emerge from their secret places and cautiously resume their ordinary activities.

Only once while sitting in a church and the light came in and seem to focus on me. I felt the heat and light as though I was in a circle of light. It was peaceful and wonderful.

I've gone back to the same church and spot often and never had it happen again.

thanks for sharing...beautifully written.

Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com

Thanks, James, for sharing this wonderful experience. Our busy lives often cut us off from that oneness that can be found in the right moment of stillness and wonder. I also loved reading about the experiences of those who commented. I once was blessed by that kind of connection after sitting at the bedside of my mother-in-law who was ill. Walking home, just letting my mind drift, it seemed as if the whole universe opened it's arms around me. Even the sound of traffic was like music.