Lessons From a Tree

Lessons learned from the old pecan tree in my backyard about healing the deep wounds of our society…

Gather your attention.

Like this tree, I realize that there is no strength without being firmly planted where you are.

I commit to being present … and being still.

Recall your intention.

Like this tree who has been teaching me that there is no life without connection, I commit to seeking relationships beyond “hello”, beyond just walking past a being (human or not), beyond the limited sight of the world I was given.

I commit to seek in every moment anything and everything that creates, sustains and connects.

Attend to yourself.

Like this tree who has been teaching me that the sun is warm and healing, that rain is a gentle message, and that being present is a gift, I commit to attending to my self and to the physical, emotional and spiritual disciplines that bring me energy and peace.

Consider what will serve.

Like the tree who has been teaching me she lives to clean the air and support my breath, I commit to supporting the breath of others…the breath of my black and brown siblings who live in the shadow of America’s history and all others who are marginalized by the ways we have given power to the few.

I commit to supporting the breath of the Earth, to stay aware and engaged in ways that promote health and well-being for trees, the four or more-legged, the winged creatures, the smalls… and all other parts of the complex balance of creation that sustains us all.

Engage ethically.

Trees cannot walk, or write, or protest. They cannot move to places to sit with the injured and the lost to listen deeply in transformational ways. Trees cannot be sent to serve (although they serve in their own ways)…. but I can walk, write, listen, move, and serve.

I commit to listening deeply for the call to act and then to finding the courage to do so.

(Deep bows and unending gratitude to Roshi Joan Halifax for her wisdom about Grace…)

All photos and poetry are original to me (added because a friend asked me to)