My Gratitude Tree

5
1396

myGratitudeTree* (video)

NANCY CHICHIOCO RAZON

I always enjoy being around big trees. Aside from the coolness it provides, I love the smell and sound of moving leaves blown by the wind and the texture of the barks – how deeply engraved the lines are, which defines the age and strength of the tree. I enjoy seeing the colorful flowers or green or withered leaves revealing their earth colors. They appeal to my senses, bringing a distinct feeling of calmness, growth, and connectivity.

I feel calm amongst refreshing tranquility and an absence of worry. It is a safe place. The sturdiness of the branches and the clump of leaves protect me from the sun’s heat, unexpected rain, or even some flying debris that may accidentally hit me.

I feel the growth and strength within me. The tree makes me aware of how I deal with people close to my heart. The tree symbolizes me and, specifically, my interpersonal relationships. Every part of the tree gives meaning to me, from the root to the branches, twigs, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.

From the root, the tree’s anchor is the trunk, which is responsible for transporting all the necessary nutrients to the branches and providing full support to maintain the functioning of the tree. The branches would grow from all over the trunk, with different forms and sizes, producing twigs, stems, and leaves. This increases the energy and nutrients the tree would need for its growth and strength. The leaves are mainly gathered in most branches, but some would join other branches. I love seeing some of the leaves sprout flowers and even produce fruits.

The roots signify how my parents nurtured me with T-L-C (tender loving care) and how I continue to function well. The branches of different sizes represent the people around me. These are my family members, classmates, neighbors, BFFs, co-workers, parish, mentors, and clients. Some branches grow in length and width, with more twigs, stems, and leaves, while others may be stunted or frail. The branches resonate with my social connectivity – how I expand to more people and connect to form deeper and healthier relationships. At the same time, it also tells me that I may need to nurture some branches – to give more attention to people who need my presence.

My closeness to nature makes the whole walking experience around the trees an awareness of myself, my interpersonal relationships, and my relationship with God.

Aside from the social connectivity that I am realizing, there is also this spiritual connectivity that makes me experience God’s presence. As I pause in silence, observing the big tree, it seems the heaven beneath the sky is so far from where I am situated. But seeing the sky through the branches, the connection becomes nearer and clearer. It seems mystical to feel the nearness of God’s presence while standing at the foot of the tree. The connection of every branch and every people here on Earth reaches out to the sky and every spirit beyond. Indeed, the presence of the spirit is much felt through this graceful and grateful tree – through the connection of every single branch, stem, and leaf, I know I am not alone. My God and the angels above, and perhaps my relatives and friends who have gone before me, are always up there, beyond the trees, very reachable through my growing branches, always providing me with the comfort I need each day.

 

5 COMMENTS

  1. Love your painting, Nancy, as well as your insights on what a magnificent tree means to you.

    When I pause to appreciate a magnificent tree, I feel it momentarily embracing me, comforting me, and giving me shelter to rest my soul.

    Yes, indeed every magnificent tree is a Gratitude Tree!

  2. Nancy, this reflection of yours shows how deep a person you are. How you are so aware of the splendor of God’s creations. How well you were able to connect them, especially a big tree, your gratitude tree in this particular sharing, with your relationships with God and with others.

    How well you paint and write! You are blessed!

  3. As usual, your flair for both visual and descriptive representations of the parts of the gratitude tree, leave me in awe!! Your God-given talents are meant to inspire and emit good vibes!👍👍👏👏🙏

  4. Nancy, as I went through your thoughts put down in writing, I felt like I was walking with you; feeling the rustle of the dead leaves and twigs, smelling the earth, gazing at the same things your eyes saw. I remembered the opening of GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS’ poem when he wrote “the world is charged by the grandeur of God”.

    Thanks Nancy — feeling peaceful

Comments are closed.