IN THIS TIME OF GIVING THANKS

When we are grieving, we're apt to feel in some ways alone, cut off from other people and living things.

It is salutary to go outside and stand by a tree. To stand in the presence of a great tree is to feel a kind of solidarity with nature, a continuity between oneself and the whole created world.

Now move closer, and put the palms of your hands against the bark of the tree.
Feel the bark with your fingers. Think of the tree's age-how long it has been here, through the summer and winter; how it draws energy up from the earth and down from the sunshine and rain.

Then stand closer yet, lean against the tree, put your arms against it (hoping the neighbors aren't looking but who cares?.) Feel your own continuity with all created life, including this tree you now embrace in honor and in memory of those you have lost.
You may be laughing, or crying or feeling foolish-or some of each.
But....don't you feel better?

~Author Unknown~