Advice from a tree

There is a painting hanging above our bed, of beautifully crafted sequoia trees painted by my brother in law, Brad Russell.

When he heard of the challenge we faced, he did what any artist would do; out of this messy situation, he made beauty, he created art. Brad was inspired and divinely supported to create 27 paintings, to be given to our family and close friends.

The paintings were inspired by a speech given by my mother in law at the weddings of her four children. “The mighty sequoia, (which are the largest living organisms on the planet), have deep roots which intertwine and grow into eachother. This is what allows them to grow so tall, some up to 300 feet.”  These majestic trees symbolize eternity, longevity and vast wisdom.

The purpose of the paintings is to serve as a reminder, that like the mighty sequoia, we are all deeply connected, beyond what we see with the eyes. Every time we look at the painting, we’re reminded of all the other “sequoias” in our life. That at any given moment, someone else may be looking at their painting, and whether we’re experiencing joy or sorrow, we’re all joined together in that place beyond time and space, in the field of infinite possibility, where true healing comes from.

Although we appear as individuals, we are held together and nurtured by a structure dependant on eachother. Like a web, there is an invisible energetic network that connects us all. We support each other’s growth, and we are never alone. What we think, say and do, our intentions on the most subtle level, affects every other being.

Trees can teach us much about living harmoniously. A close friend sent me this note recently,

 Advice from a tree:

Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the Light of your true nature
Think long term
Go out on a limb

Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go like leaves in the fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter

Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of stars at night

Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, Fresh Air, Light

Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots

Enjoy the view

May the trees on your path serve as a reminder that you are held and loved deeply.

Comments

[Auntie Sue]

Those trees have certainly gotten around and are symbolic of so many things. I have always loved trees, as Gary's Great Grandmother (Nana) was. In fact she taught me a lot about trees when I was a kid. And yes, they have their seasons, their challenges but always their beauty. You and your tree are in winter now (at least if you lived in Ontario!) and spring will soon arrive and you and your tree will start to feel rejuvanted and whole and healthy and beautiful and healthy, despite these dark, cold days of winter. You are truely an amzing inspiration!! Love you lots