You Are The Tree - Phoenix Arizona

I stand here in admiration of this beautiful life-giving source the velvet mesquite tree. It is in southwest states of the United States and Central America. I learned of its multiple purposes while visiting a Native American museum.

The velvet mesquite tree has provided its bark to construct fences, tools, firewood (for cold desert nights), fabrics and baskets. The leaves provided comfort for an upset stomach. The sap was used to heal wounds, sunburn, chapped lips and more.

This tree was called "The Tree of Life" by the Pima tribe due to its many offerings that helped them sustain through challenging times. Which is like other life givers, trees. It is amazing to hear how they evolved due to their own harsh times. May we remember they were here before us. And from that they have become equipped to manage harsh times of their own. Yet they are here and have been for millions of years.

"The Tree of Life" can be defined for what a tree offers, and it can mean the life it has lived. We can receive so much from trees besides the materials we make from them. We can learn how to live. I see trees as wise elders. They watch us like our aunts, uncles and other elder humans do and say to themselves, "Yes, I went through this. I went through that. And here is how to overcome it. Here is what I have learned from it."

Hard times may come to shake us, break off pieces of us, but we must be like the tree. Though a storm can tear leaves or branches from a tree many remain due to it being rooted. Stand firm in what the Divine has put in you. And when the winds come stay grounded, rooted. Even when it shakes you know that some storms come to break you, to make you new. That is how we evolve. That is how we guide, give wisdom to others.

Peace and blessings,

NSS

P.S. Picture was taken on a trip to Phoenix, Arizona at a Native-American museum.