I choose a Tree

Every time in my life where I am part of an exercise where we are instructed to relate to an object of some sort, I choose a tree.  Every single time.  

I have given this some thought to understand why it is that I believe a tree is such an exceptional miracle.  

I think I value the feeling of being grounded.  Solid.  A tree is most fascinating because I believe the root system makes a tree more grounded than any other living plant.  Deep roots.  Stands tall unapologetically and takes space.  Demands respect and does not move for anyone.  Yet so beautifully flows in the wind.  Free as a bird swaying high in the sky.  Sometimes leaves, sometimes flowers, sometimes needles, sometimes colour, sometimes big smells. 

But always stands alone.  Strong.  

I have in my back yard one amazing tree and one pain in my backside tree.  To my left, my neighbours have a massive tree that hangs over the fence and releases 1000’s of leaves in to my back yard each Fall for me to clean.  Plus!.. it takes my entire mountain view from my bedroom.  I have been asking for 3 years if I can hire a company AND pay for the service of this tree to be trimmed back.  What takes the cake is that my neighbours are tenants.  What do they care if I trim the tree back on my side and the back where they will never see it and I leave the front as is for their viewing pleasure?

To my right.  Ahhhhhh.  I believe that tree is me.  I connect with that tree.  2 ½ years ago we were trimming trees and doing yard work and someone almost convinced me to trim that tree for a better view.  I am grateful beyond words that I declined that offer.  Almost every photo I take of my backyard view unintentionally includes that tree.  It feels stately, beautiful, strong, unobtrusive and just in the right spot.  It teaches me about me.  

For the past 35 years there is a tree that calls my name on the highway driving through the prairies. On the 22 hour drive from BC to Manitoba, I wait the entire drive to say hello to that tree. “Hi there beautiful tree - I have missed you and think of you often”.

I think I have related to ‘a tree’ most of my life.  Being the oldest child with immigrant parents means I do not remember a time where I have not been the ‘responsible one’.  Teaching my parents the culture of their new country.  Teaching my brothers the way of life and what girls like and don’t like haha.  Teaching my children as a single mother about everything under the Sun.  Strong.  And alone. 

Don’t get me wrong, I have beautiful friends in my life.  Many of them.  But I have felt sole responsibility for the majority of things most of my life.  For this reason, when I see a tree, I somehow relate and see myself.  

Thank you to the tree on the right of my back yard.  To remind me each day to stand tall.  To plant strong roots.  To also let go and to go with the flow in my life.  To live and to dance.  To let the light shine on my face and give me peace.  Forever if I must choose to be represented by an object of any sort, forever I will choose a tree. 

Note: Photos below.. first photo shows the massive tree on left which blocks my view and gives me work. The rainbow ends on the pot of gold tree on the right, no mess, no work, only beauty… the bedroom view missing the mountains and the rest of the photos prove to be the same.