Be a Tree

Be A Tree
by Joanne Baskin, BSW, CPC

Think about it, what truths, secrets and revelations lie within the beauty of a tree? What can a tree teach us in becoming our most full and happy selves in all aspects of our lives?

In looking to the seasons for clues, observe the following:

Winter: Trees have lost their bloom, they lay bare to the elements. The wind, snow and frost rarely impale them but can leave remnants of their presence. Yet the trees continue to stand waiting, waiting for the time which follows where the sun and warmth will fill them.

We too live seasons where we feel vulnerable, almost bare. These are the moments where we feel out of control, where forces greater than ourselves seem to take charge, leaving us powerless and cold.

If we can remember that this passes, that something else is around the corner, as it always is, we too can stand waiting.

Spring: Trees are demonstrating their promise! They begin to have the sun's energy pulse through them creating the showings of new growth. They expand, grow and fill the air with color. This is natural and repeated, an unconscious reinvention.

We all go through bursts of change. We change our outer appearances to reflect our self-confidence. We become involved in new projects creating hope and enthusiasm. We enter onto the scene with new breath driving us forward.

This is what was "around the corner" all along.

Summer: Trees are in full bloom smiling as they wave to the world. Life seems to attach to them, the birds, the insects, the hanging swings as well as the "leaners" craving the shade.

We are in our full creativity when we are full of purpose and a sense of contribution. We attract the right people or the right situations when we are expressing our most natural selves and giving effortlessly.

We are pieces to the puzzle, a part of the whole.

Autumn: Trees are shedding. They embrace the rain and the wind by bending with the elements and always remaining flexible. Their vibrant colors beg the observation that they are unique and to be marveled.

We each have something unique to offer, something special to create. When we allow the forces of life to help us and when we offer no resistence in its difficulties, we strengthen our own power.

We can harness our own power by becoming resilient.

As autumn has fallen upon us, let nature's lessons help guide us: be patient, have faith, be willing to grow and change, be part of something bigger than yourself and go with the flow!

Be a TREE.