In a world that celebrates speed, noise, and endless striving, The Gift of Being offers a quiet rebellion—a return to the sacred rhythm of simply being alive. Through poetic reflections and nature-based wisdom, writer and former ecologist Marion Plume invites readers to slow down, breathe, and rediscover the beauty woven into every moment. Each chapter unfolds like a walk through misted woods—tender, contemplative, and rooted in the language of the Earth. Divided into three sections— The Breath of Existence , The Language of Giving , and The Circle of Life —this book explores the interconnectedness between all living things. From the whisper of beginnings to the grace of endings, Marion reminds us that everything that lives, gives —and that our very presence is already an offering to the world. Written in lyrical, meditative prose, The Gift of Being speaks to seekers, nature lovers, and those in search of quiet healing. It is not a guide to self-improvement, but a companion for remembering: you are not separate from the living world—you are part of its giving. Let this book be your invitation to pause, to listen, and to remember the quiet miracle of being alive.