Greetings Sunny Optimists,
Yesterday, David and I met with our good friend and Sunny Optimist buddy, Bob Palmer, at Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens. Meeting up in person was just a delight, and there was a lovely sense of the 'normal' as we walked, talked, and had a cup of coffee at the Terrace Cafe.
It was just perfect.
To wander around taking in the beauty and wonderful scents was so good for us. We spoke about the happy memories of coming to the Gardens as children, then bringing our own children, and now it is our grandchildren's turn. As we slowly wended our way around, we spoke about our deep appreciation of this lovely garden's longevity and legacy.
Reconnecting with The Oak Tree
Two weeks ago, you may remember that I posted my recording of Dorothea Breitzer-King's guided visualisation called The Oak. Bob spoke so kindly of The Sunny Optimist and how the reflections on the Oak reminded him of the book The Oak Papers by James Canton. To our delight, Bob then presented us with a 'wee' present of our own copy to enjoy. Thank you, Bob :)
Well now! James's narrative is a most delightful treatise on the connection we can have with the natural world. I love that he spent two years being with and studying this majestic Honywood Oak on the Markshall Estate in Essex. He captures the history, the biology, and the inter-connectedness of this ancient tree in such a glorious way. The writing is exquisite. It has a dreamlike quality that seeps into our hearts and gently encourages us to slow down and remember.
Here is a little bit of his writing for your delight and delectation.
Tentatively I close my eyes.
Time passes.
A calm creeps over me as though a blanket has been wrapped around my shoulders.
A numinous placed descends.
There is something so appealing about how he documents his connection with, and insights from, this 800-year-old being. You can feel the simplicity of the present moment arising within him. David and I have often found this in the Botanics. The loving way the Gardens are tended and the spaciousness of the grounds is just such a gift. To have this world-class space right on our doorstep is amazing, as is the incredible array of plant species from around the world.
I am reminded how indigenous cultures of the Americas have this phrase 'All our Relations,' which means that every part of Life is our family. They are always there for us to remember that we are their descendants. They have so much wisdom to share with us; we just need to stop and listen.
Question for this Week
Do you have a special space that invites a deep connection with your ‘Relations’?
What simplicity lies on the other side of complexity for you at this time?
Which Relation walks with you as you explore the legacy of your lineage?
Mmmm, these feel juicy questions that come from beyond. Big Smile.
As always, I would love to hear from you.
Ann
Hi Ann! I was also gifted with this book's recommendation from Bob and am slowly winding my way through it taking time to savor James Canton's relationship with the Honywood Oak over a two year period of time. Old oaks (and many other trees, especially in old growth forests) have always given me grounding and shared their wisdom when I was still and receptive. There is a 1600 year old Oak that lives in neighboring S. Carolina that I am very interested in visiting one day.
Being immersed in the wildness of the natural world that is an interconnected part of my being always invites me into a deeper connection with "all my relations". Right now I live in the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains in a temperate rain forest region where simply walking out your door you are gifted with the vibrancy of wildlife (brilliant butterflies, birds, wild turkeys...even bears!), lush vegetation/flowers and millions of trees. I am truly blessed. Sending love and hugs to both you and David!
I am now home in IowA, USA for nine days. My first morning home I synchronistically had a Mark Nepo poem fall into my lap (via a guided meditation I randomly chose). A line from the poem
“Adrift”, was perfect for me to hear at the moment of transitioning home, “Everything is so beautiful and I’m so sad.” I was “ adrift” at that time and that line perfectly described my thoughts and emotions. I was filled with the gratitude of a wonderful love filled reunion with my son and family in Southport, England. And the amazing synchronistic happenings of the entire trip (including all the flights). I was absolutely supposed to do that trip. But I was overwhelmed with the separation sadness and felt ashamed of feeling anything but gratitude. That poem was a huge validation and comfort.
What had this to do with your lovely Sunny Optimist message? The third consolation on my return home (the first was a very lovely welcome home from Tim), was an oak tree. We have a favorite nature trail we walk with few other walkers. At the top of one hill is an ancient oak. Amazing crown spread. Which always reminds me the spread of the roots equally amazing. On that walk my second evening home, she welcomed me home, comforted me, and grounded me. Absolutely a living being.
For another time, stories of nature, non-human in England. Including a stone circle, my new grand dog, the sea, and gardening with my son.
Thank you for your perfect Sunny Optimist, Ann. ❤️🌼🌳