This lovely moment of presence from Nancy:
This morning, I walked in the forest.  In a moment of joy, I closed my eyes and stretched wide my arms to drink in the cool silence.  When my eyes opened, they focused on a majestic old ponderosa, barren and gray, yet still standing with unmistakable dignity.

I imagined that the ponderosa told me her story, and I listened.  She told me of her good fortune to have taken root as a seed in a meadow bright and clear enough for her to grow without distraction.  She told me of her growing years, of how strong she had been, and of her pleasure in taking part in the ponderosa wind chorus.  She told me of the night lightning struck, burning her needles and branches and leading to the slow shedding of her bark.  She told this without sadness, for she said she found other, subtler joys in her current embodiment.  She chuckled as she told me of the honored place she holds among the ponderosa community, how they believe her to be wise and resolute.  And, she told of her patient anticipation of the day she would return fully to the earth to nourish fresh new growth.

I bowed in reverence, thanked her for sharing her story, and continued my stroll, feeling full and blessed.

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