in·ti·mate 1 (nt-mt) adj.

1. Marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity.

2. Relating to or indicative of one's deepest nature: 
intimate prayers.

We usually think of 'intimate' 

in reference to a very close relationship with a lover.

But, what if we expand the idea to include

friends sharing a special  moment

or

a child sharing with something

wild, woolly, and inquisitive...

or

                               intimate moments in the world of nature...

perhaps

a hemlock and a spruce reaching

for one another being mindful

(as Gibran says...)
to 'stand together yet not too near together;

For the pillars of the temple stand apart,

And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.'
My favorite metaphoric image is the inukshuk...
a monument made of unworked stones 
that are used by the Inuit,
 as they journey across their cold white world,
marking the way for those who follow.
The traditional meaning  is 
"You are on the right  path."

I have combined the inukshuk

with a feather to symbolize

the strength and fragility 

of our humanity .

Our life  journey of necessity

tugs for understanding of

our deepest nature and intimate prayers.

May we honor our strength in making our journey

into the unknown...

while being mindful that 

our steps and reaching out

are sometimes very fragile.

PEACE!