Life and Trees

Perhaps it's just a reflection of this moment, but I'm really glad I'm alive. I don’t think about it very often but now that I am, it has my attention. It's worth noting. And celebrating. Especially now when our world seems surrounded by confusion, illness, death, violence.

I love being alive, even when I'm not walking among green beings or listening to birds or brooks. And I can sometimes remember to love being alive when I'm having a bad day as well. That comes in handy. There's something about breathing in and out, slowly or quickly, and especially with attention, that can focus me on the present, on the blessings of life. This doesn't come easily - it's a posture I must constantly practice.

It's the contrast that brings this up for me. These limbs with morning sun-lit blossoms, only look dead – in April we know the leaves will come. Still, it reminds me that to celebrate the beauty and joy of life, I need to notice and honor the dying - people, relationships, trees. Same work; different context.