I remember as a child placing my hand upon a snow encrusted elm.

An unexpected winter storm had ravaged the area leaving the surrounding trails largely unreachable. Save for one, where the downed tree had graciously offered its service.

I saw her first from a distance, her shattered limbs marking a faint outline of the path’s ‘former self.’ And, hinting at the dangers yet to come.

I should have felt fear, but as the howling winds whipped across my half-frozen cheeks I could think of only one thing…

My appreciation for that which is not often seen, and moment which are often missed.

As I lay my hand across the roughened bark, I felt an undeniable connection. For a fleeting moment, I lost all sense of ‘self’.

That’s how it begins, you know – our growing awareness of our unity and connection. Reminding us that sometimes we are both path-finder and path-maker all at once.

This is the way nature’s lesson unfolds.

In peace…

Namaste ❤