Mindfulness in Nature: Tree

Solid and free. The tree grows upward and produces shade for what’s underneath as it absorbs the glow of the sun. A tree is impervious to the changing of the seasons; so flexible and responsive that it changes form from spring to summer, fall to winter. No complaining just adapting. So is the mind in a stance of openness to life. Not bogged down by thought. Willing to shed old leaves and hibernate before springing forth again with new life. It does not cling to thought like a tree does not cling to its leaves but lets them go when they are no longer worth holding. Roots speak to our enmeshment with the whole of life. We are not thrown into life but spring forth from this earth. No different then a tree. Our roots run deep. Hidden beneath the soil of distraction, thought and ego. And yet we can feel their extension if we slow down and feel what’s always there. Our natural connection is always underfoot. This we often lose connection to as we “grow up.” However, life calls us to also nurture our growth back down.