These trees leaned towards the river, with their roots woven into the soil. Many walked carefully along this narrow path for hundreds of years, not to hook their foot into the trees' roots.
How often I stood there casting a stone into the river as a symbolic gesture of letting go, and at the same time, prayed that as I let go of whatever was bothering me, my roots would be like the tree's roots strong, steady, and secure. The imagery soothed in its lessons: Letting go, holding on, and like the river reaching out, a continuous circle of contradiction and connectedness. Not all at once, but it gave a passage for anyone who might need to sort their heart, mind, or deeper self if they stopped and contemplated on the imagery the trees gave.
As I mentioned earlier on my blog, nearly fifty of them were felled due to disease.
The path looks vastly different. One could say empty or an avenue for sunshine to fill the space.
Both are true.
Understanding and accepting something or someone rarely goes hand in hand.
But when it does, the path opens up gracefully.
What allows that challenging path to give way to grace?
Corey, I'm thinking of you, and holding you close to my heart. Your words resonate with me, personally., too. I feel blessed to know you. Your voice is just so rich, thoughtful, soulful, authentic, a spiritual medicine. Throw more stones. 🙏🏼xo.
Posted by: Deb Hillman | 16 January 2023 at 05:47 PM
So sad when we lose trees. I love nature and I love things to last forever.
Like humans things in nature get diseases too
It's sad indeed
Hugs
Posted by: Jeanne | 16 January 2023 at 05:50 PM
Those trees were a community of old souls that lived through WWI and II with grace. Now there's just the presence of the absence. Can more trees be planted?
Posted by: Diogenes | 16 January 2023 at 06:29 PM
Interesting question! I once had the word grace for my word of the year and wasn't sure I knew what lesson it would teach me. About half way through the year I learned that grace was a form of acceptance and walking hand in hand with it.
Trees that remain may know there is room for new growth and send out new shoots to fill the gaps. Either way the trail will be beautiful and worth walking and tossing rocks.
Posted by: marilyn | 16 January 2023 at 07:53 PM
Seconding Diogenes' sentiments.
Saying "Goodbye" to old friends is hard, and can be sudden. But we rarely realize until much later that when we say "Hello" whether it's to a "passing ship in the night" or a future friend.
BTW, this year will mark the 14th anniversary of following your blog, and I never imagined at first that I'd get to meet you and Yann in person in Provence!
Posted by: Kathie B | 16 January 2023 at 11:38 PM
Psalm 1
1
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
May you be like that tree that never withers.
Posted by: TMJ Athens | 19 January 2023 at 05:13 AM