I’ve always loved the many metaphors associated with trees. Here is one of my favorites, a beautiful reflection from Clarissa Pinkola Estés.

Dear Brave Souls:
Remember Who You Are.

This day, keep this memory at center…
be not disturbed…
wear a flower behind
your ear to remind you
that thou art a flowering tree…

For Thou Art the Tree of Life…
you…rooted deep in the earth
nourished by rain and snow,
sky and light, stars and moon,
winds both cold and warm,
arms held outward to receive all…
just enough leaves
to hold onto nourishment,
enough space between the leaves,
to let all else un-needed, fall through.

The Tree of Life is rooted at the center
of the holy body,
and because of the depth of its roots
and that the circle of its roots
equal the width of its canopy,
the Tree can withstand
and remain still standing.

Take a deep breath,
put your dear shoulders
down where they belong.
And remember
What and Who
stands and sways at Center…
always and ever
with hardly any help from you,
other than that you see its Magnitude.

I send love.
Remember to breathe;
that is your giving life to Life.