Mesmerised, I was drawn into the calming movement of the water that surrounded me. It felt like I was being held in the Womb of The Mother. Among the huge expanse of sky and the sandstone mountains, I was healing again. I felt loved. 

In late 2019, I was sitting on the deck of the Boathouse on Dangar Island in the mighty Dyarubbin, the original Dharug/GuriNgai/Darkinyoong name for the Hawkesbury River. I had been gifted two nights in this home on the water. I was healing from a stage 4 lymphoma, a blood cancer. I was weak, in pain and coming to terms with the diagnosis. This special place held me in Her arms and rocked me. Being here was a huge part of my healing journey, together with all the loving friends and family who also held me. I returned many times over the years, and I always found the energy of the place connected deeply with my soul. 

My 76th birthday was coming up. I was again healing, this time from a fall down a staircase. There were many broken bones in my right arm, wrist and hand. I booked the Boathouse for a week of just being. I invited friends and family to come for the day, or an overnight stay. Time to spend together, to eat, walk, rest, share stories and juicy conversations. I noticed that everyone who came immediately relaxed. I could sense a visible change in them, like a big sigh. 

I questioned what gentle magic it was as I watched the water, felt the movement of the tide coming in and going out. To me, it was like our earth was breathing in and breathing out, twice a day, while the water rose under us, cradling our souls. She sang Her musical rhythm of life as once again I was being held in The Womb of the Mother. I was rebirthing within Her breath and Her nurturing waters. I was whole again, healed, and I then wrote a poem. It begins:

In the womb of The Mother 

I turn and I flow, 

Doing cartwheels and diving 

Through a portal I go. 

I feel warmth, I feel gentle, 

Releasing my breath 

As The Mother, our earth, 

Holds me close to Her breast…