Lessons Beneath the Trees

Sitting with the trees in Mammoth Lakes, California

Sitting among the ancient trees in Mammoth Lakes feels sacred. I planned a trip there, along with other destinations in California, for my birthday. My initial destination was to head north and ascend into the mountains.

In this moment, captured to the left, I was sitting at the base of something so much older and wiser than me, I felt small… but not in a way that diminished me. In a way that reminded me. Reminded me that I am part of something greater. That I, too, am allowed to grow slowly, deeply, and in my own time.

And that was one of the lessons I received on that day from the great teachers.

In nature, there is no pressure to perform. No expectations to be anything other than what you are. The trees don’t compete. They don’t compare. Each one stands in its own beauty, its own strength, its own timing. The true definition of nature is to be. Being in our natural state is when we are most alive. This is what it means to be well.

And that was one of the lessons I received on that day from the great teachers.

You don’t have to rush your becoming.

You don’t have to force your healing.

You don’t have to shrink or stretch yourself to fit someone else’s idea of growth.

You are allowed to root.

You are allowed to rise.

You are allowed to take up space.

You are allowed to be how you were designed.

Sitting there, I realized that just like the trees, I am still growing—even when it’s quiet… even when it’s unseen.

And so are you.  

Well wishes always,

NSS