I Climbed a Tree

I felt called to do some outdoor self portraits, so I bundled up my linen nightdress and camera and threw them into my little backpack and headed to King’s Park. I started off in the bush, but the mosquitoes were ridiculous, so I followed my instincts to the North. I kept peering beyond the tree line to what looked like an open field, but was actually just part of the park that had been flooded over. The water has since receded, so I walked where my heart was being called. My sandals sunk into the wet mud as I made my way across the little field and I found this glorious massive tree with some beautiful long grasses surrounding it. This is why I was called to this spot.

I know I keep using the phrase “I was called” or “I felt called” but I can’t explain it anyway other than that. Something encouraged me to get outside and do self portraits this morning. Something encouraged me to find this spot. And something pushed me to climb the tree. At first, I attempted and my fear got the best of me, so I did photos around the base, but I knew I would regret it if I didn’t climb up to the middle bit and at least try to take a photo. I made a makeshift “ladder” with a smaller log nearby and hoisted myself up - all while wearing my dress. It was probably a magical sight to behold for anyone watching.

Finally, I got myself seated and even though it wasn’t significantly high up, it was high enough that I felt part of something bigger. I both felt big and small all at once. It wasn’t super hot out and the breeze was nice and cool - kinda like summers on the farm used to feel. It was like I was revisiting my younger self, the version of me that used to lie in the hammock under the big trees, listening to the leaves create their own magical symphony that still, to this day, immediately relaxes my blood pressure.

I felt…home.

Because of everything going on with my mom, I think I needed to feel safe, supported, and taken care of - and this small space of earth did just that for me. While I thought about supporting my mom, this natural Mother supported me. I breathed deep, inhaling the natural scent of the outdoors and I felt the anxiety and stress of the past few days and months just flood out of me - instantly relaxed. This majestic tree reached her arms out to me and I found myself cradled in the crook her trunk - lulled into peace by the lullaby of the leaves.

This is your encouragement to spend time with our original Mother - she is waiting for you to be supported, to hold you, to take your stress. Also, listen to your instincts, your intuition, your “calling” and follow it where it leads you - it usually knows what you need more than you do.