When I Am Among The Trees
Originally Published in the Awakened Soul Newsletter sent March 13, 2024
In January and February we focused on light and growing our own light during two Soul Seed Saturdays. The following is a poem that we read as inspiration to illuminate our understanding. Mary Oliver turns to the trees to offer us the wisdom of the living creation.
When I am Among the Trees
by Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
This Saturday, March 16, 2024 the focus will be on the seeds we carry of that light.
All of us have potential within us that support the gift or light we came to be in this world. These seeds of potential may show up as values, traits, characteristics, spiritual gifts, interests, passions, or something else Some of these seeds we tended and grew into fruition yet some we denied or kept hidden. Often for good reason as the seed didn’t receive the love, approval, or validation in our families or culture. Some seeds were not given the resources, time or energy to support their growth. Also, like the seeds of the giant conifers of Northern California such as the Redwoods and Sequoia trees, their relatively tiny seeds required fire to release the seed in order for it to be planted and nurtured by the forest.In January and February we focused on light and growing our own light during two Soul Seed Saturdays. The following is a poem that we read as inspiration to illuminate our understanding. Mary Oliver turns to the trees to offer us the wisdom of the living creation.
Now is the season and time to discern which soul seeds or characteristics are ready to be activated. What gifts or passions do we hold that are what the world (and we ourselves) need now? What do these seeds need to nurture them? Who is “the forest” that can love and support you in your growth? Let me know if you would like more information about joining the Awakened Souls Women’s Circle.