The aftermath of the storm was all over my yard and driveway. Sticks, branches, leaves peppered my property. I walked out the front door and smiled. Nature sure does have a way of releasing things that are no longer useful or serving her.The storm was no exception. The trees released old branches and leaves. It is similar to what they do in the fall, first a stunning display of color and light and then a flurry of releasing. I imagine that it is an act of self love, protecting the tree's energy. Releasing something that does not serve us can be hard, but at the end of the day, it is about protecting yourself.

I walked barefoot up the driveway and my youngest son chatted at me about the sticks on the driveway. I started picking them up and dragging them towards the burnpile and before I knew it you were standing there. Today, you were in full costume including a wrap, a headdress and a shield. I laughed at you as you put on a performance in all of your glory. I kept walking down the driveway dragging brush.

“Halt” you shouted at me.

I turned to look at you and realized that you wanted one of the branches. I let go of the brush that I was dragging and picked up the stick. It was nothing short of perfect. I had been looking to make a snake wand but the universe had more grand things in mind. Placed lovingly, by nature and the universe, in my path was a snake staff. After I picked it up, I looked into your eyes which sparkled like crystals, your face lit and you belly laughed. While your hands no longer make art, I will allow them to make art through me. While your voice no longer has a mouth to speak, I will allow you to speak through me. While your hands no longer write, I will allow you to write through me. While you are no longer in physical form, I will not stop that from allowing me to learn from you.

Just like that, I embraced the way that trees release. I released guilt and fear around what anyone else would think of my relationship with spirit.