What is it in nature that speaks to our souls?

While I was having breakfast, uploading egret photos, and nature watching the back yard, a grackle flew overhead with a beak full of dead grass. I was thrilled to see it, and began to wonder why such an ordinary sight gave me such joy. It's easy to understand the joy of seeing the egrets. I've never before seen one in my backyard and they are intrinsically beautiful and graceful. The grackle flew overhead so quickly, there was no time to appreciate its irridesence, no pause to reflect on the signs of spring, nest building, new life, continuity ... just a moment of happiness in response to the ordinary.

Perhaps such self reflection works better in the afternoon, with glasses of wine, than in the morning fueled by coffee, because I came to no conclusion. I just know that this connection to nature - however tenuous, however fleeting - brings with an awareness of beauty and a connection to the greater world. With that connection comes happiness, peace, and joy.