I collect hearts.
Hearts made of shell and stone and wood, hearts I find in my rambles on beaches and forests here on the Olympic Peninsula. I’ve been collecting them for decades, so that now my eyes spot something heart-shaped almost daily. It still amazes me that such an interesting shape is so common in nature. Sometimes, I’m even tempted to see certain heart-shaped finds as omens.
you have my heart, click to enlarge
It’s an odd thing for a recluse to collect, isn’t it?
You’d be forgiven for assuming it symbolizes some lingering longing for human connection. I really don’t believe it does. My true loves are my dog, the moon and the Earth Herself. I choose to believe that each heart shape I spot in the natural world is a valentine from the Earth to me. My found hearts range in size from itsy bitsy to rocks too large to lug home, and sometimes they even take fleeting shape in the sky.
I’m not the only collector of hearts…watch this brief video to see heart-shaped things as seen from Google Earth!
VIDEO
Yes, I know today is a manufactured holiday, but it still seems a worthy excuse to meditate on the meaning of love in your own life.
CONTEMPLATIONS
• What aspects of the natural world inspire feelings of love in you?
• Are there animals in your life that you love? What have you done for them lately?
• How do you express your love of the earth?
• What more can you pledge to do for the love of our planet?
I found a wonderful blog that features all things heart rocks….find it here. It has all sorts of lovely images and inspiring stories contributed by readers.
OFFERING
The heart rock photo from this post is available in various forms (including the poster here) and on several different products in my CafePress shop. See all my beachy designs here.
How about you…have you found heart-shaped things in nature? I’d love to hear your experiences.Please comment below.
February 17th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I havent found many hearts in nature, but I do create my own by drawing in the sand and making heart shapes out of rocks and leaving them for others to find…kind of like paying love forward. I like to think that these heart gifts may connect with someone who really needs such an omen. If I could, I would leave you one here!
February 17th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Cool hearts! I also collect heart-shaped things, stones are the easiest to find where I live near Mendocino, CA. One in particluar came to me when I was feeling very low and alone, and it gave me hope. Sure enough, it wasn’t long until someone new entered my life…and I gave him the heart stone as a gift when the time felt right. I’m really enjoying your blog…thanks.
June 3rd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I found hearts with cracks through them on 2 trees at the location where branches were removed..when I saw them, I thought of your hearts in nature, and will send you images of them soon! Hope you are doing well!
Becky
June 3rd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
afterthought: perhaps the hearts are symbols from the Divine acknowledging the love you give to nature, Divine creation, returning it to you as a thank you!
Just a nice thought!
Becky
June 4th, 2009 at 11:07 am
What a grand idea! I do something similar with the circles and spirals in nature. May have to had hearts to the mix! Thank you.
December 4th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Come to Vermont–there are tons of heart-shaped love stones here. Mother Nature loves VT!