Our ROOTS


Think and visualize a nice large tree that grows near you or in some special place you visit…ROOTS grow deep as they spread out. Meanwhile that tree “ages”. The deep roots help branches spread out further,  growing taller and fuller ~all the while the roots are underground “out of sight”. The branches have become thick while more and more smaller tender and vulnerable branches emerge with sometimes much smaller leaves.

Right away when we hear the word ROOTS, we think of our family and ponder the uniqueness of each branch of that tree. Some grow strong and vibrant, a few grow in unique styles and others struggle to survive. Some wither away and eventually fall away.

Nature holds a key for us to understand God and the complex meaning of our lives. Nature is pretty simple really.  As humans we put complexity into some pretty basic concepts. Most of us were brought up on the Darwinian philosophy of survival of the fittest in the animal kingdom and that transferred to humans as well.  Competition is rampant in global life as well as in the US. Society is matching old beliefs that were instilled in us in childhood that we have to compete to be the best at something we accomplish. We have to be better than the next person. New science now proves the entire living species of our planet exist based upon cooperation, NOT competition. The studies are pretty fascinating. Wow…we need to embrace this concept as human’s living in this complex eco-system.

Recently I had an opportunity to ponder these complex thoughts as an amazing tree sat right in the middle of our campsite! At first it was an “obstacle” for my husband, Doug, to maneuver our trailer in and around this mammoth tree. Then in the early morning as I walked out of our trailer to do a mindful meditation in nature around the quiet camp at 6 AM, my thoughts kept pulling me back to this mammoth tree.

Here’s a description because photos cannot do it justice! It had a gigantic base. Emerging out of the middle of this trunk were FIVE very large, thick, strong and tall branches, actually, trunks really because they were a good  24″ in diameter. They looked like separate trees. Coming out from each of these five tree trunks were more branches, developing over many years of growth. Looking straight up you would think all of the branches and leaves emerged from one tree. I climbed up and sat in the middle of the base of this incredible tree to do my meditation! While it was not the most comfortable, it was awesome. Life has this way of bringing me to the most unique places. I reminded myself to savor the moment just as the sun rose above the tree line and into my view.

My initial thoughts took me to my own family ~ FIVE of us as we grew up together grounded by a set of parents providing a base for us to grow and flourish. We did all that in very unique ways. Many challenges faced each of us and yet today we are so like this tree; strong, close and still totally unique! Our parents were a strong foundation with challenges of their own, like the base of this tree,  providing countless experiences, strong and  giving with shared beliefs, and encouraged to decide for ourselves what our path would be!

As sometimes happens in Meditation ~ thoughts emerge that don’t seem to be your own. That day, a totally different picture emerged prompting me to ask Doug to please take these pictures.  I loved the fact that I had FIVE more mornings to return to my quiet space to ponder this tree’s message to me. But, the ideas were clearly coming from somewhere.

Most spiritual masters say we choose our parents and family when we enter this lifetime to learn specific lessons so our souls can continue to grow in love. We are all on a journey to learn how to love unconditionally. I know many circumstances have been placed in my life to help me learn to love unconditionally. My NDE helped me experience the concept that is way beyond verbal description. But, daily living has provided my human side with many challenges.

Here is the message that I was hearing: 

The base of this tree isn’t our parents, it is God. Remember the ROOTS that cannot be seen, but are huge? They represent GOD and His many souls helping to provide the foundation we need. Our parents are a piece of God, we all are.  We are ALL connected through God and while my parents have transitioned out of my daily life ~ they still exist as spirits guiding me even today in unconditional love in spirit form. The FIVE of us continue to grow and flourish in our own unique ways through the support and love God provided for each of us. The branches from these large five trunks are our children and grandchildren representing lives that are as diverse as those unique branches that I described at the beginning of this story. As you all know, one branch broke off…Anne, Marj’s daughter dying at age 19. But, here is the best news of all!

Anne’s  spirit lives on  along with our parents that are represented by the base of this tree now, merged with God in the “ever life” that exists so very close to us! We will be part of that base someday too, merged with God, in only a blink of time. BELIEVE…God’s love is providing for us in every human we encounter as we experience their love. Through loved ones or friends who have passed or living today we learn from all of them. I totally lost my fear of death following my NDE.  When you lose any fears you have about death AND fears that you are going to make a “mistake” in life choices,  you can finally live an authentic happy life in this ego driven body! In God’s eyes, you can do nothing wrong, only experience the trials that our actions can create.

So when I returned home after camping, I began having more “conversations” with my parents in my garden.  As I’d pass things around me, memories greeted me…the flowers I brought from their house, the memories of learning to garden, the dove pair that seem to sit in my front bed and leave me feathers all over front and back.  I began sharing thoughts with my  ceramic angel in my garden I received when Mom died. When I found it moved, it startled me a few days ago when I went out one early morning and found it under a tree! Explain THAT one to me?! No animal could have moved it that far…hmm…more thinking for me to do! Are my parents trying to communicate? My Dad LOVED trees!

 

So…smile, LOVE life, have FUN and savor every moment with those you love! God is pure love and we are ALL a part of that. My son stood in the middle of this tree while we were together in Florida. Wow…what kind of story would that tree tell?!

I am heading off to Alaska, in fact I will be cruising when you read this post! I will savor each moment and watch for new opportunities for growth.

 

6 Comments on “Our ROOTS

  1. A feather dropped into my front yard and for several weeks my thoughts settle on my mother, and my father. Gratitude arises and hovers like a tree with spreading branches. Being.

      • YES, “gratitude arises and hovers like a tree with spreading branches”, beautiful words and repeating them often brings in peace in abundance.

  2. Good one, Terry! Your family tree analogy is a classic and you expand on it beautifully.
    Have a good cruise. Where did you leave your angel?

  3. I often admire and look
    up at the tall trees, but now I will think more of the roots.
    Thank you for sharing.

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