“Jack pines…are not lumber trees (and they) won’t win many beauty contests either. But to me this valiant old tree, solitary on its own rocky point, is as beautiful as a living thing can be…In the calligraphy of its shape against the sky is written strength of character and perseverance, survival of wind, drought, cold, heat, disease…In its silence it speaks of…wholeness…an integrity that comes from being what you are.”
by Douglas Wood, reprinted from “A Hidden Wholeness”, by Parker Palmer
On my daily walk, I regularly check in with my favorite trees along the path. It just occurs to me as I read this passage that none of those trees are the ones that are perfectly shaped or beautiful in the conventional sense of the word. They are not the trees that will get their picture taken or their portrait painted. I guess it makes sense that I love them because they remind me of myself. A survivor, shaped by my experience, but deeply rooted and lifting myself skyward to grow into whatever a mindful life and a committed connection to Spirit will make of me.
What about you? What are the nature beings, plants, animals, earth, or stone that reflect yourself? Can you sense its wholeness? Can you sense yours? How do you feel about living this day in the “integrity that comes from being what you are”?
