Nature & Kindness
Dear Readers,
I hope this message finds you well and surrounded by the beauty of nature. As I settle into our new home, I’ve been fascinated by a magnificent Blue Spruce in our front yard that stands tall, embracing the essence of the great outdoors.
Interestingly, our initial visits didn’t reveal its presence. I can’t help but feel that this tree, in its wisdom, guided us to this place without my husband or me seeing it. The perplexing part is that had we spotted the tree earlier; we probably would not have even looked at the house. The sheer size of the tree looks like it would block all the sunlight from getting inside. However, the tree is positioned just right to allow plenty of sunlight through our windows, bringing warmth and cheer to our home.
How we did not see this tree is still a mystery.
My tree from across the street.
Photo of my Blue Spruce tree looking out my door.
I feel very connected to this tree now and wonder what our future will bring.
Nature
“You are as much a part of nature as the trees, birds, clouds, rain, and butterflies. You are nature in human form.”
~~Pea Horsley
Animal Communicator
In contemplating the wonders of nature, I’m reminded of the profound interconnectedness we share with the world around us. As Pea Horsly emphasizes in her writings, we are nature.
Survival of the Kindest
Reflecting on kindness and service to others, trees stand as a powerful example. Research reveals their nurturing tendencies, from safeguarding their young to providing homes and sustenance for various creatures, including us. They gift us with oxygen, provide shelter, and offer healing through a multitude of phytochemicals with their antioxidant properties.
As we immerse ourselves in the soothing embrace of the natural world, may we find solace, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to kindness. In 2020, I wrote about our lives and happiness depending on the caring lifestyle of trees in Survival of the Kindest I still believe it.
Happy New Year to you all! Wishing you many moments of tranquility and connection with nature in this new year.
Take care,
~~Ellen
P.S. Spend time in nature among trees. Remember to be kind and allow all of nature’s benefits to enter your awareness – including human kindness. Mary Oliver’s poem says it all:
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.”
The Marginalian has a reading of this poem, which is quite lovely. Enjoy.
~~ Ellen
Amanda Palmer Reads “When I Am Among the Trees” by Mary Oliver