Do You Hear It?

Art, Balance, blessings, Celebrations, Connection, Dance, Gratitude, Health, Houston, Music, Nature, Peace, Prayer, Sunshine, Texas 1 Minute

“The earth has music for those who listen.”

Unknown

It wasn’t a typical Sunday when I set out for a walk through the Houston Botanic Garden. For one thing, this was my first visit—that, and I planned on dancing here. My Nia class would be celebrating Earth Day with an immersive, mindful-movement event in a tent: Nia in the Garden.

The day was 60 something degrees and overcast. I arrived early to explore. Slowly, the sun peeked through the clouds. I thanked God for the Vitamin D and my mobility, our beautiful planet and the healing powers of the garden.

When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment.

Georgia O’Keeffe

Before heading into the Cactus Garden, I spoke to a sculptor named Percy from Zimbabwe. One of 300 artists represented by the ZimSculpt exhibition, he smoothed opal stone with a file and showed me a chunk of the raw serpentine stone, nothing like the opal gemstone. A couple returned to purchase one of Percy’s pieces, his face lit up, and he turned his attention to his customers. I continued my stroll.

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero
Dancing Steelroots by Steve Tobin, Philadelphia
The Tree of Life by Gerardo Rosales, Venezuela
Pondering by Walter Mariga, Zimbabwe
Lovebirds (in Opal Stone) by Lacknos Chingwaro, Zimbabwe
Seated Bather by Gregory Mutasa, Zimbabwe

I couldn’t imagine how it might feel to dance in a tent. This one was fancy with a wall of windows overlooking the garden. I checked my phone, 7600 steps, slipped it into a pocket inside my purse, and found a spot for my belongings. Now let the exercise begin. As the music started, all self-consciousness fell away, and we danced—a celebration of self, our connectivity, and our sacred earth.

Published by Crystal Byers

When I was young, my dad would always say, "Crystal, you can choose your attitude." One day I chose to believe him.

Published

66 thoughts on “Do You Hear It?”

  4. Sweet sister, your photos, videos, and words ooze with the grace flowing out of you from this magical moment of dance and tranquillity. Thank you for taking us with you. The water feature videos have me peace. The artwork is phenomenal! I DO hear it. Harmony, peace, and oneness~I love you, sweet sister🎶💕❤️

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    1. Exactly what I hoped—that the magic, peace, and harmonies would resound. I could’ve hung out by the fountains all day, and I have a longing to return. I love you, sweet sister! Thank you for sharing this moment and so many others with me!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. You’re quite welcome, Vicki! Thanks for visiting.

      The placard description also spoke to me: “Tree roots keep growing, no matter what emerges in their path. If another root comes along, they will move around each other in a groovy, yet perfectly assembled dance…these Dancing Steelroots rejoice in their ability to move with no obstacles in sight, feeling the joy of freedom, dance, and play.”

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  13. I love your reflections on nature and Earth Day, Crystal. Time in nature is well spent. Walking and dancing too seems appropriate. We walked 13 km yesterday and it was a glorious day with family. Happy Tuesday. Allan

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  14. What a beautiful place to visit. I like the flowers of course, but the sculpture of a butterfly with flowers is stunning. I’m glad you got so many steps in, sounds like a great day.

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  17. I am so very happy for you and your dancing tribe! 🥰 What a gorgeous and inspiring location. I can feel the cool breeze, smell the lovely flowers, and feel the energy of all of you moving together. Thank you for this beautiful share, Crystal. 💛

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    1. We had in the range of 25 dancers—about half new to Nia. We do have a special tribe. Thank you for that observation, Michele! For a program that’s been around 40 years, it’s hard for me to believe it’s not better known.

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      1. I know what you mean… there are some strong NIA groups but it is a special niche. I am so glad you’ve made a special connection. Would love to dance with you all sometime. 💖

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  18. What a lovely day and location. So many special things to appreciate. I’m glad you included the videos. I love the sound of moving water. Cicero’s quote is perfection!

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  23. What a banquet for the senses, Crystal! The vibrant colors, of course, alternating from pulsing to soothing. Both natural and sculpted, and all artistic.

    Then there’s the playful water, humming the theme song, and birdsong exhilarating it to melody.

    …and the mental landscape too, lined with contemplation’s silk.

    No wonder the sun’s bright balm enlivened you to dance. No matter whether or not that’s why you were there on Sunday, you just had to move. It’s the natural result.

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  25. Thank you for sharing a part of your world and others!!.. hopefully with today’s technology the world can gather together and get a better understanding of what is being done and what needs to be done so everyone can work together to make this world a better place and hopefully a future for the following generations… as I were growing up on a farm, my father always said “if I take care of the land, the land will take care of me”.. 🙂

    Hope life is all that you wish for it to be and until we meet again…
    May flowers always line your path
    and sunshine light your way,
    May songbirds serenade your
    every step along the way,
    May a rainbow run beside you
    in a sky that’s always blue,
    And may happiness fill your heart
    each day your whole life through.
    (Irish Saying)

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