What's it Like to Be You? (Meditation)
Inspiration from Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees
Last week, I completed reading Discovering The Spiritual Wisdom of Trees by Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy. WOW. I will be returning to this book again and again for inspiration, meditations and as a reference for understanding the beautiful wisdom trees carry on our planet. They have so much to share with us. Not only is the short book (180 pages) packed with information, each chapter offers a spiritual practice to help us deepen our relationships and respect for trees. It truly is a beautiful text and I will be sharing more later.
In the chapter “Gratitude and Reciprocity,” Leah asks a powerful question that connects us right to the fifth Reiki precept,
Just for today, I will be compassionate to myself and others.
The simple question below opens doorway into understanding & compassion for the beings in our own backyard.
What’s it like to be you?
Meditation Practice
Head out to habitat that you visit often - you backyard, the park, the courtyard where you eat lunch at work - and settle in for about 20 minutes.
Just be. Look around.
Select a plant, critter, tree that draws your attention.
Now, get to know your acquaintance by asking thoughtful questions (page 159). Don’t worry about getting caught up in a story, just listen with your heart.
What’s it like to be you?
Where do you live?
What do you eat?
Do you have a family?
What are you afraid of?
Am I doing anything to harm you?
I would like to add:
What do you do as the season change?
What is a day/night in your life like?
Do you stay local or do you travel?
Notice the how the universal energy flows through them.
After a while, when you are ready, thank this being for an opportunity to connect in a new way and for all they bring to our world.
Furthering the experience:
Journal your findings, write a poem, or carry this new wisdom tucked safely in your heart.
Follow your curiosity. Maybe your experience invites you to do a mini-research project and read a book about them or learn more from the internet. Maybe you make one small change in your own habits that will better support them. Maybe you find a local organization that advocates for this creature or habitat.
Or, maybe, you simply walk away with a grateful heart for spending time quietly appreciating the beauty around you.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask these similar questions of the people in our world, too. Now, more than ever, we all need a little more understanding and kindness.
“By walking or sitting in nearby places with gentle curiosity and open hearts, people have found themselves unexpectedly awestruck, frequently bursting forth with poetry, and nearly always grateful for the beauty of this world.”
Leah Norcross, Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees
Extra Resources
Learn more about Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees
The Center for Spirituality in Nature: Explore offerings, including meditations & gatherings hosted by authors.
The Curious Iguana: Check out the awesome independent bookshop in Frederick, Maryland where I picked up this delightful read. A must visit for book lovers.