Resilient Tortoise

well...this page will evolve as it should, in it's own time...or perhaps it won't...I am not attached either way. Dictionary.com defines Resilience: "The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness." Those who truly know me will understand the birth and background of this title. I feel a deep connection with nature - I always have. I've spent many hours of many days outside, exploring textures, smelling flowers, trees and earth. Catching, releasing, walking, skipping, rooting and digging, wading and swimming, running and searching and using my imagination. Nature is very grounding for me. Aside from this, I have come to know that I "will" what I want. I am resilient and I "will" to continue to build on that statement and I want to continue to imbue myself with those affirmations. We can learn so much from nature. Simplicity and presence, perseverance, peace and reverence. I have a long love of tortoises that began in childhood. For me, the first thought that comes to mind about a tortoise, is longevity. They are so slow! Maybe this is part of the reason they often endure, human presence notwithstanding. Tortoises personified: living in the present, she/he doesn't care about wrinkles, sagging skin or their complexion "spots" - no vanity. Tortoises seem so "chill". No wasted movement as they slowly and intentionally move toward their goals (I know, food or mate!). I'm betting on the idea that they don't have "mind chatter" and just do what they need to do...going on with fulfilling their purpose. No anxiety, no depression, no fluctuating emotions... Who knows the mind of another creature or the depths of that mind...? Have you ever examined the shell of a tortoise. It's a wonder and a work of art. There is depth and design; linear and curved patterns; beautiful, earthy color; topography! A tortoise that has made it to adulthood will likely be scarred, chipped and perhaps even cracked. Just like us - literally and figuratively. This we know: The Earth does not belong to Man, Man belongs to the Earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all: Man did not weave the web of life, he is but a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web he does to himself. - Chief Seattle (1786-1866)