What a glorious day. The sky is clear at last. The meadow is freshly washed from yesterday’s spring shower. There is such a crisp cleanness to the smell and feel and sound of the day that as soon as I broke out into the meadow for my morning walk I felt my heart expand, my soul rejoice, a smile burst upon my face. I just wanted to twirl around and sing a corny song.

 

I realized at that moment the biggest difference, for me, between living in town vs. at the ranch. When I’m at the ranch surrounded by nature and wildlife, Bob my only contact with humanity, I feel safe and perfectly, wonderfully free to just be me. I’m not judged nor criticized by family, friends, neighbors, society.  I’m not exposed to the negative energy and fears of other people. There is no one to keep up with, no fashion statements to make. There are no “Jones” in the Yamsey Valley, just Dawn, and occasionally Bob. I suspect one of aspects I love most about my partner is that he is the least judgmental person I’ve every known. He NEVER criticizes me; he only puts attention to being the best person he can be.

 

At the ranch you can just be you. Instead of contracting your energy inward, putting up walls of protection–from other people’s energy and attitudes, from the noise and pollution of the city, from the demands of comparison–you can just be open with your heart and soul.  My mind and body and spirit are able to soar when I’m alone in nature surrounded by beauty and bird song. It is just that much easier to smile for no particular reason. Is there any material wealth that can compare to that feeling?  I am a rich woman!