A new perspective from a tree, a few squirrels and some lively birds…
Last week we had a new stamped concrete patio poured in our backyard. When an unexpected guest stopped in it brought the perfect opportunity to get a few pieces of furniture out and sit. After he left I took advantage of the time alone to simply “be” by myself for a few minutes.
As I reclined back in one of the chairs I began to observe the trees from a whole new view. What a wonderful surprise it offered to see the life in that tree from a new perspective. The sun was gently shining through the branches, beams of light everywhere. The birds and squirrels were active and interacting more than I’ve ever seen, partially because the temperature was a perfect 72 degrees, but mainly because I had never paid attention at that angle. It was almost dizzying.
I’ve always been a nature lover. Watching birds and animals is a regular part of my daily life. This time was different.
I took few deep breaths and began a tree meditation (you’ll see details below). Tree meditation offered me the chance to ground myself and really connect in to witness what was happening above. It was like watching a natural super highway for the wildlife that is present in my yard; birds were flying, squawking, and playing, mainly by their nests, while the squirrels chased each other up and down the branches, stopping every now and then to grab a bite of something off a branch. I counted over 10 different types of birds in that tree and three different colors of squirrels. For just a minute I felt as if I were actually a part of that scene. It was mesmerizing.
The connection that I feel to all of life and to the Earth was deeply heightened in that moment. I was reminded of why I LOVE being outside and am so grateful for the sun, the warmth, the birds and the squirrels, and the saying, “as above, so below”. We are so similar in that we are all looking for the best way to co-exist.
Here’s your tree meditation to help you do just that.
- Take a few deep breaths in, until you feel a sense of relaxation wash over you
- imagine that your feet have roots connecting you to Mother Earth.
- Imagine your body is the trunk as Earth energy flows through it, grounding, supporting and balancing you.
- Imagine that your arms and head are the leaves and branches of the tree, connecting you to the sky and light above.
Feel the energy of the Earth, the Sun and the Sky flow through you, calming you, centering you and connecting you to nature.
I invite you to look up; to see the abundance of life above!
For meditations and more visit the resource page at TeriGriffiWilliams.com.
A few years ago I read something about positive attitudes “not being all they’re cracked up to be”. If you know me, you know I think that’s just crazy. If you don’t know me, you should – I love my Pollyanna attitude and believe 100% that it has been my life saver on many occasions. They don’t call me The Bliss Lady for nothing!
And so the time has come to share my last 14 suggestions for “Soulcial Living”. Since January 9, 2014 I have offered you over 56 ways to practice, including the suggestions below. That equals at least one kind gesture a week every day of the year.
When my kids were in elementary school I began sitting for a neighbor’s (friends) son on a regular basis. He became an extension of our family and his parents are two of my dearest friends. I took him with me wherever we went; visiting my grandmother, sporting events, even to the grocery store.
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