Imagine a bigleaf maple tree in the middle of a pasture. Four
seasons of the tree’s life flash through the mind’s eye: buds, full summer
bloom, fiery leaves, frost-covered limbs.
Imagine the roots of the tree—of yourself—reaching downward
through the soil, tethered to mud and expanding downward like the unseen mirror
of the branches above ground. Perfect symmetry.
Imagine the bigleaf maple branches reaching too: wide and far
into horizontal spaces, and up a bit into the air overhead.
Imagine that this bigleaf maple does not stand alone. It resides
in a community of living beings: grass, soil, heron, coyotes; loved ones; the
hungry stranger on the corner, the glint of moonbeam on dog fur; the refugee,
saint, cashier, hermit; the rat, osprey, dandelion, moss; the charred remains
of landscapes and the sparkling teal seas. Out and out and out this community
stretches, encompassing, including, embracing.
Imagine rooting deeper into what nourishes and sustains:
gratitude; passion for engaging the deep calling that is work, purpose;
compassion for all beings.
Imagine, too, reaching broadly into opportunity, reverie,
seasons and cycles, interconnection.
May you live these early days of the new year with every
blessing and breath in harmony with your own intentional gifts for the world.
All blog images created & photographed by Jennifer J. Wilhoit unless otherwise noted. Please circulate images with photo credit: "©2018 JenniferJWilhoit/TEALarbor stories. AllRightsReserved."
