Forest wisdom for an achy soul
She didn’t really need a vacation. She wasn’t in the mood to travel. She was just getting settled into her long-awaited home, the newness only just starting to wear off. She loved her summertime rhythms and routines. For the first time in a long time, she wanted to stay exactly where she was.
But she’d made these travel plans six months ago. Besides, she loved camping. Her friends would be there. The teenagers wanted to go. And she might get the rare chance to unplug. So she packed her camping gear into the bed of the truck and went.
She slept in a tent right on the ocean, the salty breeze soaking into every inch of her skin, her hair, her clothes, her soul. It felt good. She was glad she made the trip. Elated even.
Then she received news that something had happened ~ a painful situation she thought was finally ending was, in fact, just becoming more painful. Her grandmother’s priceless family heirloom ring stolen. A heated text exchange with the person who had already taken so much from her family and now was taking even more. The realization that there would be a long road ahead to have a chance at getting it back.
She tried to reclaim her joy, to trust that it would all shake out okay. She reached into her wellness toolbox again and again. She kept trying to see things in a better light. She became tired from all the trying, her soul achy, sadness descending. So, she went out in search of forest wisdom to soothe her achy soul.
Five little things started to emerge ⤵
#1
Ceding even a small corner in one’s soul to anger, rage, or hatred can quickly sprout bitterness, depression, envy, despair, and a whole host of problematic tendencies. But there’s a way out, there’s always a way up and out. It will come.
#2
There’s wisdom in seasons. Nothing lasts forever. Every single thing will change, including the painful stuff. Fall and winter always come after summer. Spring and summer always come after winter. Opportunities are always around the corner.
#3
It does no good at all to run from our problems, does it? Lest you one day find yourself every other moment considering canceling all of your plans to go hide under your covers and never emerge again, I hope you remember this: “Wherever I go, there I am” (a quote attributed to Earl Mac Rauch, Confucius, and others). Maybe it’s best to face a problem head-on and get it over with. Sometimes that means a ripping-off-the-bandaid approach. Other times call for a gentler waiting-for-wisdom slant. Either way, we can handle it as long as we stay. Stay.
#4
Any voice telling you “you’re failing at this” or “you can’t possibly get this right” is an unnatural voice not worth listening to (probably Blanche). It’s best to replace those voices with something far more productive like “I’m figuring it out” or “It will come to me” (also great words to share when you have adult kids who are stressed about something: “You’re figuring it out” and “It will come to you” along with “I’m here to listen”).
#5
There’s not enough paper in all the world to record everything we have to be grateful for. The more gratitude lists I make in my self-designed vision/gratitude journals, the more I have to write about. Wonder and awe are available everywhere. As Mary Oliver said, “It must be a great disappointment to God if we are not dazzled at least ten times a day.” (an excerpt from “Good Morning” in This Wild and Precious Life Journal)
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I’m still searching this morning. For wisdom, for hope, for strength to deal with the unfortunate situation I’m in. I know I’ll find it. I always do. Spirit and soul never fail to re-emerge.
Meanwhile, I’m lacing up my hiking boots and heading out for a full day on the trail with a yummy snack in my pack, my knee brace on, and a new book in my earbuds.
If you have good vibes or good lawyers, send them my way.
Wherever you are this weekend, I hope you find exactly what you need for whatever state your soul is in (and I do so hope your soul is in a better state than mine).
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All my love,
Celeste
