As we stand at the crossroads of environmental uncertainty, the natural world continually offers us quiet reminders of our place within it. Moments where the wind through the trees, the rhythmic lapping of water, or the distant call of a bird can bring us back to center.
I created "Sitting With Oneness" as a reflection of that stillness, a visual reminder that we are never truly separate from the earth or the stars. It captures the quiet presence of all living beings, even when we feel alone. The piece merges the grounding essence of yoga with the celestial expanse of the Milky Way, while intricate vine-like structures weave with diverse animals. Some are immediately visible, while others reveal themselves only with time, much like the hidden connections we share with the natural world.
Nature’s Silent Plea
Our connection to nature is not just spiritual, it is biological. The Earth’s systems sustain us, yet they are increasingly under strain. Scientists warn that we are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction, with species disappearing at alarming rates due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
Consider the bird populations, for instance. The recent outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza has led to the culling of over 148 million birds worldwide since 2022, including both wild and domestic species. The disease has devastated poultry farms and disrupted ecosystems. According to CBS News, entire flocks have been wiped out in an effort to contain the virus, leaving the skies quieter and ecosystems further destabilized. This mass loss not only impacts biodiversity but also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. (CBS News)
Rediscovering Connection Through Birdsong
Recently, I’ve found a deeper connection with the natural world through a simple yet profound practice of listening. I’ve been using a wonderful app called Merlin Bird ID, created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It’s free and incredibly easy to use. With it, I can sit outside and identify the bird calls around me in real time.
What once felt like a jumble of random chirps and trills has become a familiar melody. In just a few uses, I’ve learned to recognize the distinct calls of cardinals, blue jays, egrets, and more, giving each voice a name. It’s like learning the language of the wild, a small yet powerful way to feel more rooted in the natural world.
It’s remarkable how this simple app has transformed my outdoor experience. I find myself listening more attentively, aware of the subtle changes in the songs from morning to evening. It has become a gentle meditation, reminding us that while the world changes around us, the birds still sing.
A Visual Meditation for the Soul
“Sitting With Oneness” is more than art. It invites reflection. To slow down and breathe deeply. It calls us to recognize the sacred connection we share with all living beings, even in times of chaos.
The seated yoga pose at the center of the piece embodies a quiet surrender, an openness to the energy flowing through all things. The vines, animals, and celestial backdrop reflect the intricate dance of existence, reminding us that we are not separate from the forests, the rivers, or the stars. We are made of the same elements, bound by the same cosmic breath.
Bringing Oneness Into Your Space
Let this piece serve as a visual meditation in your home, gently nudging you to reconnect with stillness. Let it inspire you to step outside, listen for birdsong, or simply gaze at the night sky. In those moments, you may rediscover what has always been true: we are never alone.
If this image resonates with you, you can bring it into your space as a fine art print, available here. Let it be a daily reminder of your connection to something greater, reflecting your oneness with the earth, the stars, and all living beings.