Strolling through a slough at sunset, along an elevated path that follows a winding waterway, a sea of golden leaves decorates the ground. Fall is here. As the sun sets and warm tones blanket the sky, a colourful array of the leaves reflect back a sense of beauty with an overlay of raindrops from earlier in the day. Leafless trees fill the skyline next to abundant evergreens, ever green with trillions of rich needles. Flourishing life and end of life coexist naturally here as the end of day meets the start of a bright night. 

A large bird stands tall, perched strong and stable on one thick branch of a leafless tree. With long stick legs, a slender pointed beak, wee head and contrasting robust body, the crane grooms itself while maintaining great awareness of its surroundings. Its head moves up and down, forward and back, occasionally dipping its beak under its wings. Out of nowhere a loud SPLOOSH! echoes through the air as something drops into the water below it. The crane is not distracted at all by the sound and only continues to groom.

As the sky darkens and sun disappears, the moon rises up in the sky casting a soft glow behind the crane. By now the crane has lifted one leg and positioned it securely under its breast making it invisible to the world. Standing still and as strong as before, the crane becomes one with the environment. It exudes a state of serenity, standing peacefully on one leg mirroring the energy of the luminescent moon and still air surrounding it.

Be wise like the crane. Align yourself with nature and discover the magic of the moment. Refrain from distractions overtaking your senses and focus instead on maintaining balance in life. Mirror the energy of the crane’s single leg it stands on, focusing on a single source for grounding self: your commitment to all of you!