Winter settles in for now. The Winds blew long and strong in the forest last night. ~ Gleefully, Raucously, Bountifully Bouncing along, Rolling over the forest stories. The wind seemed relieved to have a full and unfettered expression

Ahh. Full Expression ~ Now, THAT would be something to experience; and with an undivided audience, no less!

This morning, I wondered how the trees managed these winds, when the freezing temperatures must them less supple. Certainly, I notice moments of brittleness these days in my movement and days.

The trees.
They, they remain rooted, present, and unattached to the stories or drama. They remain Still. It is a January stillness.

Only a week ago, when the January thaw beguiled me into listening for Spring sounds~ I listened closely to the earth to see if she too felt it. To see if there would be that deep inner rumbles of life awakening. Not yet. And the trees, they knew. They knew not to jump start their cycle.
They may dream and imagine their coming growing days, but they do not anticipate or jump ahead. They stay in the deep pause of winter stillness. I imagine they like these dreaming days. When the snows insulate their sugary sweetness below the soil.

I have seen once, one early, early Spring day, when the winds and sun teased their limbs, the Spirits of the trees rose up into the air to dance, play, mingle and roam. They rose and played and danced in the Spring wind, free to visit neighbors, elders and other lands. Maybe they even visited you whereever your land roots you. Maybe they visit you now, in your winter dreams! Together you could share exchanges and tea and the like. I do love to imagine that! Oh what a joy to witness the reunion and sharing.

Perhaps they even travel to the warmth of the Southern Hemisphere to gather news of those lands, and the nature of treeness.
Ahh, that vision that reverie brings, making my smile and cry. What beauty.

Still, back to the intended thread of this blog post (All diversions welcome..) ~ The stillness is visible here, outside my window, where the cold subzero temperatures hover.

So, I ask, dear trees, What do you teach me now? I seek wisdom to assist me to live in these days with presence.
I share their response, should it offer you the grounding it provides me~

This is what I heard~

Know your roots ~ stay rooted in the glowing of your heart, in love, where all things are possible. Where illusion evaporates and only Spirit remains.
Listen. Listen with one ear to the Earth, and one to the heavens, to hear the Moment of movement, and rebirth. Then you will know how to emerge and laugh in the Light. Until then, know your heart. Know your wholeness. Know your light. Shine that light.

I shall try for that rootedness.