Cynthia, this piece is itself a holy book which can be read and reread and one would always discover something new. I have long known that Trees are my totem animal, and shamanic healer Lenore Norrgard confirms that trees are the one nonanimal totem in shamanic traditions.
Another cool thing: as you point out, the Eden story begins among two trees. But also the wooden dowels/ handles that the Torah scroll is rolled onto are called עצים Aitzim: trees. Kol ha kavod: all glory to you, for lifting up the light!
"and the leaves of the Tree are for the healing of the nations" brings tears to my eyes as a I read it, tears of being moved. I'm reading Sofia Betancourt's Ecowomanism at the Panama Canal, and she writes that when she teaches, she speaks of hope as a spiritual practice. Dancing between hope and cynicism as I seem to do in my 50s, your bringing this phrase... the leaves of the Tree that are for the healing of the nations... is a balm.
Two other phrases rang within me with the clarity of a bell, calling me to attention
I never wanted to be set apart.
Why not sweep outgrown identities out the door like bats?
Amen.
Grateful for your sharing of the details of your story, your initiation and its changing journey. Grateful for your presencing the Tree of Life.
Cynthia, this piece is itself a holy book which can be read and reread and one would always discover something new. I have long known that Trees are my totem animal, and shamanic healer Lenore Norrgard confirms that trees are the one nonanimal totem in shamanic traditions.
Another cool thing: as you point out, the Eden story begins among two trees. But also the wooden dowels/ handles that the Torah scroll is rolled onto are called עצים Aitzim: trees. Kol ha kavod: all glory to you, for lifting up the light!
"and the leaves of the Tree are for the healing of the nations" brings tears to my eyes as a I read it, tears of being moved. I'm reading Sofia Betancourt's Ecowomanism at the Panama Canal, and she writes that when she teaches, she speaks of hope as a spiritual practice. Dancing between hope and cynicism as I seem to do in my 50s, your bringing this phrase... the leaves of the Tree that are for the healing of the nations... is a balm.
Two other phrases rang within me with the clarity of a bell, calling me to attention
I never wanted to be set apart.
Why not sweep outgrown identities out the door like bats?
Amen.
Grateful for your sharing of the details of your story, your initiation and its changing journey. Grateful for your presencing the Tree of Life.
Inspired 🌲