Advice From A Tree

On my nephew Jack's bulletin board for years has been a small green card with lots of writing on it and a picture of a tree at the top. Half covered and surrounded by various pictures of him in baseball uniforms and at school sporting events, lots of family photos, calendars, postcards, medals, trophies and all the things guys deem worthy to have on their bulletin boards, I never really paid much attention to it.

And then one day the card disappeared from the bulletin board, only to reappear on the refrigerator downstairs. Having found a new place of honor among the family photos and memorabilia, I figured this small green card must be worth a read. Turns out Jack had picked it up years ago at the National Arboretum in Washington, and being a lover of all things outdoors, he was drawn to its message. I found that I was, too:

Dear Friend,

Stand tall and proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of your true nature
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 like 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