A stirring of my blood, a whisper almost heard, a glimmer in radiant light.
Devas?
In Buddhism, Devas are described as non human, invisible to the eye, except for humans with extra sensory perception. Hindus portray them as benevolent supernatural beings. 11th century texts mention them. The New Age Movement calls them the spirutual forces behind nature. All I know is, in certain places, I feel as if something else is there. I think they are watching and waiting until we set aside our primitive ways. In other words, waiting for the human race to grow up.
Two places I reliably feel their presence:
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| Overlooking the coulee from the Saskatoon Farm |
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| Anywhere along the Norfolk Coast in England. Photo credit |
I'm not the only one to be fascinated by the light along this stretch of coast. Artists rave about it.
Do you have places which make you strain to see and hear something just out of reach? Do your friends think you a little strange?
I've been to the Saskatoon Farm, and you're right, there is something to take your breath away at that spot.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you feel it too. Its nice to know its not just me.
DeleteI feel that way in certain places too. My family just "knows" that about me. I feel like i have always been extra tuned in to that sense of knowing there is something else present. I feel it the most in nature like you and sometimes in a quiet room. Great post and your explanation makes it feel not so strange!
ReplyDeleteI once heard one of my children say to a friend, "my mother is a little strange". She also says she had a wonderful childhood so I guess her "dotty" mother wasn't a huge burden.
DeleteYes, I think some might think I am strange, but I wear that word proudly. I do not believe in a supreme being, but I do not think I am ever alone.
ReplyDeleteYes, we have to be true to ourselves. I think anyone who criticizes another person's personality has the real problem.
DeleteBoth of these places look amazing! I can imagine that a small part of the energy from all the people that have visited or worked in these places could remain there. They look like places I personally would never want to leave.
ReplyDeleteYou have a good point, I too think past inhabitants leave a sense of themselves behind. I really don't like to live in very old houses as I'm so sensitive to the atmosphere. It bothers me if I pick up on sadness.
DeleteThere are some special little spots in the Lake District - I know exactly what you mean. I also feel this when walking in ancient woodlands. Interesting post x
ReplyDeleteRegarding my map of small things post-I'm thinking these special places are something that could be identified.
DeleteThanks for sharing these magical places! I never heard the term Devas used before but definitely have experienced that sense in certain places.
ReplyDeleteI've only just come across the description. It may not be a complete fit to what I'm feeling but it does show people have been thinking about these experience for thousands of years.
DeleteDear Susan,
ReplyDeleteI usually experience it in the countryside, away from the materialistic world although it can happen there too, in a quiet place: a Church, a park. . .
We are told that God comes to us not with trumpets but in faint breezes and gentleness. It is at those times that I feel His presence and I think that it is at those times that I am most open to His call.
"the peace which surpasses all understanding" I loved this phrase as a child. It told me it was part of the natural order of things not to understand everything. Those that think they do are somewhat foolish in my opinion.
DeleteI felt it the strongest in the Redwood forests along the Northern Califorian coast. There was a sense of someone else the, maybe the spiritd of the ancient trees, but we were definitely not alone :) cheers, Jenni
ReplyDeleteI find it quite noisy in the forest. All those tree spirits chattering away.
DeleteThanks for the Saskatoon Farm link, may have to take mom there for her Birthday or near Mother's day. I often feel moved, or like the veil is thin by nature, especially trees and sometimes creatures, lovely post.
ReplyDeletePlaces where the veil is thinner is a good description.The Saskatoon Farm is a lovely place to go for lunch or pie and ice cream, my weakness. Earlier in the week is better. It can get very busy at lunchtime and on the weekends.
DeleteI live on the souther coat of California and our daily walk on the beach before I head to work is a necessity. The other spot is in my garden. I get lost in my thoughts as I weed, plant, prune . . . it is my happy place.
ReplyDeleteA walk on the beach before work, what a gift! I have to get me some of that.
DeleteI've felt spirits before but not because of a certain place I'm at. I've just felt them next to me. :o)
ReplyDeleteI know you are a thoughtful person and therefore perfectly suited to picking up on the ethereal.
DeleteOh Susan what a fabulous post! I had to read through all the comments too. So interesting!!
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, I spent 4 years on the big island of Hawaii not far from the volcano. I ALWAYS felt a presence with me. It was scary. I felt afraid to pick guavas and orchids but the presence never hurt me. I'm not sure if my fear was internal or external but it was very real.
On Saturday, I went with some friends to an estate in Salem. We toured the house and gardens. I asked the guide if the house was haunted and she answered very quickly, NO and I think I might have offended her but I always have to ask because, like you, I believe there are things that go on in a realm we can't see.
I don't feel that intuitiveness like I used to when I was younger. Maybe because I don't carry around that fear anymore. I kind of miss it though.
Years ago I read a newspaper article about hikers in the mountains to the east of us. They would always get to a certain point along the trail and feel a presence. They even brought guests and didn't tell them about the feeling just to see if they would react when they came to that spot. Sure enough. Everyone felt it, even the skeptics. I think it had something to do with it being Indian holy ground.
Great photos and a great post.
Dear Grace, You always manage to pop up when I need it most. I think my sensitivity has waned with age too. I regret it when I'm in my favourite "listening" spots. However I have been truly frightened a couple of times and I certainly don't miss that.
Delete"There are more things in heaven and earth..." It's a thin veil. Mostly I think we get distracted and deny what we know. I enjoyed your openess Susan.
ReplyDeleteOur imaginations create stories to fit what we don't understand. Wt is only as we become informed we realise much of what we consider as myth has an element of fact.
Deletepoetry and stories are probably the best ways to try to express this - like the idea of a 'thin veil'. I've had this feeling in very old forest in Tasmania, and in the red desert sands of central Australia, both sacred land to different Aboriginal tribes. Remote wilderness places.
ReplyDeleteOh absolutely! For me it's the site of a mesolithic stone circle in Aberdeenshire. The first time I visited I had the most amazing feeling of peace and connection with the landscape. Although the vistas of hills and moorland were new to me, they felt familiar. I wonder if some far-distant ancestors had stood there looking at the same scene.
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