By Nellie Curtiss …
Laura said, “As a tree, let that big messy storm cruise all the way through and over those branches and leaves.”
It was true. Even the movie Avatar, seemed to show that calm in the airborne jungle that floated on clouds built a canopy of love withstanding onslaughts of calculations against humane peace.
Sometimes our trek on this earth is a little like walking in the Disney movie Jungle Cruise where a distempered dock manager aims all his ire at the eerie cruise. We don’t know at which time a mouthy curse might swing from the Spanish moss, or when Proxima the pet Jaguar will stalk and pounce upon any creeper on the boat deck.
Movies often carry symbolism within their frames. So then, our own internal movies, dreams, or nightmares, of human connection and conflict can carry mystery and metaphor. Standing tall, strong with roots fingering and holding on to the earthly clay, the tree of life spreads upward as a mighty trunk and outward with branches and limbs with leaves and flowers. We are that tree, that essence, that symbol of strength and kindness on earth.
A snowstorm, or a bomb cyclone may blow hard like the winds swooping around the sailing ship Pequod as Captain Ahab seeks the Great White Whale Moby Dick. The bluster filters through the limbs and jostles the twigs or flowers; but ultimately, it passes through, over, around the ship or the great ash tree.
Likewise, in our routines, we may catch a grouchy retailer, a disgruntled first responder, or a tit-for-tat debater, but the emotions, memories or triggers of hurtful words and memories will slip right by, through and around us as we imagine ourselves a strong, ever present tree withstanding waves and shorelines of gusts and blustery blues.
Our branches hold tools, too. Sometimes a welcoming therapist might be needed. Sometimes a walk in the snow might work. Strumming the banjo or mandolin might fill our mind. Sometimes a sit-down with a cup of coffee and a friend is the solution. Sometimes with covid any of these might be virtual, over the internet and a computer window.
The takeaway is that we ARE strong beings with hearts like a tree anchored in foundational clay, slipping around ancient dirt, and rooted in stone with a strong trunk holding our gifts ready to bloom through the branches, limbs, and sprouts. We can weather the storms, emotional and spiritual. We can recognize and name the storm or pain. We can be kind to one another out on a limb while we let turbulence waft through and around our arms, fingers, and heart. We can be human, kind, and strong. We can thrive and make anew our day at dawn or dusk. Our faith can strengthen our soul and move us to kindness. Still, like Maya Angelou, we can rise and navigate around and filter the flooding and droughts of our collective life.
Laura is right to teach us to let the messy stuff move through us like a storm through and around a tree. From there we can choose to be kind as we continue our branching outwards, upwards, and onwards.
Columns by nellie 