Earthwalker
  • Earthwalker Thoughts
  • About John
    • Journey for John
    • Remember John
  • People for Mother Earth
  • Earth Helpers
  • 21 Ways to Help

Focusing

5/4/2015

2 Comments

 
Picture
It’s sucker time. Of the walnut tree variety that is! 

I just came in from the orchard - doing what I do most days at this time of the year. I was removing the small buds of potential branches that appear on the lower trunk of the trees in spring. The trees seem exuberant with the warmth of the sun throughout the longer days and the refreshing rain, sparse this year, but most welcome. Their desire seems to be all about growing every which way they can. However the suckers take needed energy from the tree’s main purpose: nourishing the seeds that will become walnuts. Removing the suckers is my way of helping the trees to focus.

And while I do that the trees help me as well. 

During the past three years I have been grieving and mourning the death of my brothers, John and Pat. Creating tributes to honor them has helped a lot.  Now something that seemed impossible in 2012 has happened. I am stepping into a new stage: reclaiming life after loss. It is exciting to feel alive again. And like the walnut trees I find myself pulled in many directions - anywhere I can grow is great, right?

As I begin to come alive again that may be true for a little while. But I too need to focus. What budding forth will bring life and fruitfulness to be shared with others? Can I cut back on the activities that distract me from “what is mine to do”? 

Tomorrow as I remove the suckers from the trees, I will reflect on the pruning – the choices – I need to make for my new life.



2 Comments
michael... link
5/4/2015 09:47:49 am

Pruning and grafting... excellent metaphors for the tending of our lives...

Reply
Loretta
5/5/2015 03:04:09 am

Ahhh! Yes! Grafting as well. What do I want to bring into my life to help it flourish?

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Earthwalker

    _Loretta McCarthy is deeply engaged in tending and cultivating the garden of her own soul and empowering others to do the same. For decades, Loretta ministered as a spiritual companion, grief group leader and retreat facilitator. Today, she cares for the trees, the chickens and other living beings at Dancing TreePeople Farm. Loretta offers SoulWork Adventures for groups and individuals.

    Archives

    May 2015
    July 2013
    August 2012
    June 2012
    April 2012
    January 2012
    June 2011
    March 2011
    November 2010
    August 2010
    June 2010
    March 2010

    Categories

    All
    Love And Peace

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.