Learn From The Trees

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If you've never read the poem Advice From A Tree by Ilan Shamir, it's worth stopping and thinking about for a bit. Each line is a little gem of wisdom, and it's so very simple...

Advice From A Tree
Dear Friend,
Stand tall and proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the 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 of 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 the 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!
-Ilan Shamir

Interestingly, the hardest one for many of us may very well be the last one. Enjoy the view. This is a lesson I keep having to re-learn. Slowing down is hard for me, and the time we live in makes being present in the moment even harder. Go out on a limb- I can do. But slowing down and enjoying the view is hard. Am I the only one that feels guilty when I slow down and pause for a little while?

The truth is slowing down is not just a luxury, it's a necessity. Going full speed ahead all the time is just not sustainable.

Today I'll take that very lesson and slow down and enjoy the view. 🙂

{ Poem taken from Ilan Shamir's Advice From A Tree Journal. }