Out of Hiding ...

"We must enhance the light, not fight the darkness." 

A. D. Gordon

Every experience you have had during this lifetime contributes to who you are. Every joy and each sorrow create an indentation in your persona. What we do with it ... whether become arrogant or maudlin ... depends upon our willingness to bend or break. As we learn to digest the tainted with the sweet, we become whole.

Taking our strength and dysfunction forward, continuously absorbing new insights, our unique existence deepens. In time, we not only learn to honor the lesson, but become aware of the knowledge to be shared. Family secrets do not heal family cycles. Minimizing abuse does not improve situations. 

If we no longer regard ourselves as damaged, and use our voice to selectively share personal information, not only do we grow, but others do as well. Once we realize we have value from life experiences, we can openly embrace the lessons shared by others. The purpose is to gain positive momentum as we step into the light out of our darkness. 

 

Leaves Letting Go

"Come little leaves," said the wind one day, "Come to the meadows with me

and play. Put on your dresses of red and gold; For summer is past, and the days grow cold."

George Cooper 

As the leaves change colors, there is a shift inside of us. There is a feeling of trust watching the leaves let go. So gracefully, the wind escorts them to the ground where children can laugh and play with the scent of fall wafting in the air. There is comfort that these beautiful trees will return the leaves again next year.

Perhaps the message is to appreciate all things unfolding in a season, remembering that nature tends to be repetitive. As the leaves rustle with the soft breeze, we can experience our connectiveness with the passing of time. Just like the leaves, we must remember to not cling but gracefully release letting go.

Observing the beauty in nature, remembering its resilience, we are encouraged to move forward in our lives in spite of change. A season may end but it is followed by one other. Appreciate what is in front of us and as it ends, remember that transformation is an opportunity where our creative existence expands. 

Knocking at the Door

"Who's that knocking on my door ..."

The Genies 

Figuratively speaking, God knocks on our door numerous times, hoping we will answer this beckoning call. Of course, we do not recognize the Divine as the holy appearance may be disguised as someone entirely different. Given that spirit resides in all peoples, there is a wide array of costumes to adjust the sacred appearance. 

There was a television program, "Touched by an Angel," that helped remind us how spirit was always amongst us. Spirit worked through others often catching us off guard. Perhaps the driving force behind this is treating all peoples with kindness. Who is knocking on our door (figuratively speaking)?

Expanding on this concept, we can hear Divine Presence in the song of a bird, the movement of a tree, or the wind blowing. Creative expression is also used as a language of the Divine. Spiritual insight is frequently linked into common conversations between friends. Open the doors of the mind and allow spirit entrance! Don't wake for a knock! 

 

Projection of Images

"Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think 

we're supposed to be and embracing who we are." 

Brene Brown

The woman was immediately noticed as she walked with great pomp and circumstance into the store. I could not help but wonder who this arrogant woman was walking like royalty! She had an air about her separating everyone far from her. I could not help but wonder how deeply her true nature must be cramped inside of her. 

Maybe this originates with fear about our own identity. Then we begin to hide while projecting an image that we believe others will more readily accept. Our boundaries soften allowing a stampede of other people's opinion to override our own. Exceptional concentration is required to keep authenticity hidden in darkness.  

Parading around in a false persona attracts people who we truly are not aligned with, so this increases our discomfort. This is quite a price to pay as it impacts our body, mind, and soul. What if we reclaimed all of this energy and reinvested in our original nature, finding kindred spirits who love and support us!

 

Do You Even Know?

 

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love."

Rumi 

The computer is an excellent tool to discover information embracing endless subject matters. We have easy access to it at all times throughout the day and evening. How many times do we find ourselves returning to the keyboard to look up or visit just one more thing? It would be interesting to know exactly how much of the information enhances us.

Our brain is also an excellent source to discover information, and we have immediate access to it. Instead of venturing outside of ourselves, we can go inwards to discover, reacquaint, and stimulate our most inner desires. Our mind is the portal for our dreams, aspirations, and inspirations that have the protentional for enhancing life.

We are consistently drawn to new opportunities, but when we are disconnected from our inner selves, we may not notice. Inner desires may have been ignored for so long, we may not even know what they are. If we experience life as being dull and rote, it is time to go inward and discover who we truly are. 

Grounding ...

"Connection to the earth gives us strength and resilience."

Oliver Finch 

No matter where we live, there is a small patch of grass just waiting for us. Slip off our shoes and allow the green growth to tickle the bottoms of our feet. Instantly, we can flash back to childhood memories of running through the grass shoeless. The earth is pulsing with energy just waiting to be shared with our bodies.

Time or money may prevent us from getting a massage, but grounding can be just as good. Indulge the self in lying in the grass as the earth generates peace into the body, mind and soul. Try to release thoughts, forgetting about agendas, tasks, and challenges awaiting us. Allow the body to blend with the energy of the earth experiencing stillness.

Let surrounding sounds fade away. Become one with the earth, imagining the body to shape shift into the ground beneath us. To experience the sense of oneness, we refresh ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. This is true nurturing that can be accessed quite easily, if we just think to do it! 

Into The Light of The Moon

 

"Don't worry if you're making waves just by being yourself.

The moon does it all the time."

Scott Stabile

If we pay any attention to movement around us, it is noticeable when the energy shifts. Whether it is a youngster pitching a fit or a businessman bouncing his leg, frequencies are altered around us. When we look up at the full moon, automatically, we remember that vibrations are speeding up!

In the darkness of the room, our attention is drawn to the window where the moon is trying to shine in. It beckons us, pulls our dark thoughts into its light. We feel a churning in our belly knowing that change is being called forth. Our movement, whether thought or deed, becomes active. 

During the full moon, these unsettled issues present themselves with increased activity. They are tired of being pushed down. Perhaps they decide to push back, demanding attention to create resolve. It can be quite lonely in the dark, so carry what is heavy in the heart into the light of the moon. Perhaps then things won't appear to be quite so bad.

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I've Changed My Mind

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."

Norman Vincent Peale 

How do the words "I changed my mind," make you feel? It matters not what you are thinking about, just experience the movement inside of you. Do you get frightened, elated, or feel free? An overactive mind can mislead us especially when we are not mindful of the constant trivia repeating in our thought patterns.

Say it out loud, "I've changed my mind." Now, where might you like to implement this?  Where would it be most freeing ... professionally, personally, or spiritually? Perhaps explore where exactly you would like to apply this. Would it be in regard to a decision you have made or more importantly not made?

There is liberation in experimenting with thoughts of change in our imaginative minds. Where are you, who are you with, what would you most like to say? There is no reason to wait for change to happen to us. It is more productive for us to initiate the change we desire. There is the saying, "Be the change you want to see." 

Adjustment to the End

"Every exit is an entrance to someplace else."

Tom Stoppard

In the moment of an ending, numerous feelings can be present.  We may experience either relief or grief, gladness or sadness, or discouragement or encouragement. Endings are not as detrimental as they first might appear. Riddled by sorrow, we may become overwhelmed by unanswered questions which answers will heal.

It is easy to assume that an ending involves death, but in reality, the person we grieve may very well be alive, just 'dead' to us. Death can be emotional, not just physical. Our feelings may have been extinguished or discarded, either way eliminated. In the moment, we may believe that our life has ended. Hindsight, however, may offer a differing view. 

Regardless of whether or not we were the ones to end a situation, we may or may not have any control over how others react. Our efforts can be focused on our own feelings of grief or relief. Either way, time needs to be invested in sorting out our reaction which assists in moving us forward with healing. This is groundwork for a new beginning.

 

Decisions Without Ego

 

"It's important to think things through, but many use thinking

as a means of avoiding action."

Robert Herjavec

There is considerable strength within when we build confidence in our ability to move through life, learning lessons, but not becoming overwhelmed. When we know ourselves with inner clarity, decision making becomes easier. Less time is spent dwelling upon the problem rather than the solution.

Knowing our strengths and weaknesses, assist us in the movement through difficult times. We can pause and think rather than push through unprepared. If we are unsure, sit quietly and listen to the inner voice. The slightest synchronistic dream, article or conversation might spark a new direction for resolution.

Listening to valued voices can be quite instrumental, but this is our life and no one else's. Expectations of others might be encouraging, but are they in alignment with our own desires? Remember that ego speaks to us with doubt and negativity, while spirit whispers our personal worthiness.

Peeling Off Layers

"Look beneath the surface; let not the quality of a thing

nor its worth escape thee."
Marcus Aurelius

In my antiquing days, there was sheer pleasure in discovering value in an old beaten-up object discarded into a junk pile. Bringing it home, there was speculation about how it might look after a good cleaning. Taking off layers of filth, absolute joy was experienced to discover the piece had been not only dated but signed!

Have you ever been rehabbing a space, peeling off old wallpaper, only to discover there was significant family recording beneath it? And then the times when an old book came to your attention discovering an inserted piece of stationary written not only decades but centuries prior! 

I find this to be true with people as well. The brightest bulb in the bunch might be boring, whereas a quiet spirit in the corner may have stories to be told. There is an old saying about judging a book by its cover. I happen to believe it is the same with all living things. The most misshapen tree may have the healthiest vibes ever!  

Come On Baby, Light Your Fire!

"From a little spark may burst a flame!"

Dante Alighierl 

Transitions can be challenging or paralyzing. We may become so overwhelmed by new information or stock still from boredom. Throughout our lives, we experience episodes with too much time on our hands or not enough. Wisdom occurs when we realize our power in regulating our time. 

No matter how much we are in demand. there must be a block sectioned off, no matter how small, to recoup our energy. When too much time is before us, we tend to procrastinate believing we have all the time of the world to do what we want. In either scenario, our essence dwindles when not appropriately tended to.

Age does not matter, but energy does. Discover the spark that will motivate you into activating the inner spirit that will continue to keep us buoyant no matter the circumstances.  Determine what will light our fire, regardless of allowed time. Become excited, curious, and ageless in the pursuit of personal stimulation. 

 

The Self

"The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous 

formation through choice of action."

John Dewey

We have an inner substance just waiting to take shape and form. Although we are filled with buried wisdom, we gaze outside of ourselves in search for identity. We are spiritual beings experiencing life on earth. and seek acceptance outside of us, somewhat ignoring ever present authenticity.

We scan the faces of others retaining who or what they think we should be, allowing their expectations to override our inner identity. Outer knowledge is valuable but never becomes more important than our inner knowing. In human form, our identity is calculated and manipulated by outside sources.

Our inner light stretches and conforms respecting the human experience but consistently makes itself available. We receive nudges, synchronicities and blessings without connecting them with spirits, angels, or the Divine. Navigating our emotional experiences, we hopefully make choices that align with our inner beauty and awareness. 

Building My Bridge

"Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become your

actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits as they become

character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny."

Frank Jackson

Our thoughts are not necessarily true, so we need to use caution and perhaps filters. If shared with others, we need to hold ourselves open to differing opinions or insights. All of this contributes to who we become and how we impact others. Perhaps it is best to build our bridges composed of various segments.

The thought might appeal that our passages offer differing rocks to be gathered in forming these bridges. Do we want rigid formation or artistic curves reflecting our ability to bend adjusting the speed of learning? We can choose a fast jetway straight ahead or build angles slowing our pace with otherwise overlooked scenery.

The shape of our bridge contains who we choose to become. It is formed by our thoughts, words, and deeds, not just by outside documented information.  This is why we must hold ourselves accountable for the information we keep. Knowledge is formed by the processing of all that we seek.

 

Inner Being of Light

 

"I have a religion; it's called love. I have a church; it's called Earth.

I have a scripture; it's called heart. I have a prayer; it's called compassion."

Sofo Archon

Some time ago, I decided to visit a religious group that had attracted my attention. It had been quite some time since I had been in a religious establishment with such beautiful stained glass. As I walked down the aisle into the sanctuary, there was a mix of emotions ranging from loving comfort to a need to protect myself based on hidden fear. 

Chants easily filled my ears, but when words from the pulpit arrived, I began to feel penetrated. I was taken off guard by feelings of being talked down to and an overbearingly masculine rhetoric. All of this had been buried so very long ago, and I felt compelled to sweep it outside of the beautiful wooden door.

This experience ended up being a mirror to reflect what I had believed. Now, Divine Spirit was everywhere, in everything, and flowing inside everyone. This is all the more reason to treat everyone with love and compassion. There is no better than nor lesser than as we follow our earthly scripts disguising our inner being of light. 

Time to Begin

"Character - the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life - is the

source from which self-respect springs."

Joan Didon

What are we waiting for ... a magician to change our life into an amazing dream? Will there be an intruder to shift our rigid schedules? Are these thoughts based on fairytales like Little Red Riding Hood waiting to be rescued by the hunter or the prince in Cinderella? Wait no more, as no one is coming!

If we find ourselves in total captivity of self-judgment and fear, we have hit bottom which can be good news. There is only one way up and you are the only person present. Each one of us harbors abilities and strength far more important than the rescue techniques of others. We are sitting by our lovely selves with life in our hands.

This is the time to choose what truly matters to you. What resonates within you when you peel all else away? Identify what is waiting in the harbor of the mind. Begin to gather elements to be applied to a new beginning. Believe in yourself, proceed towards the goal and others will appear to assist. This is the time to begin ... no matter how old you are! 

 

Right in This Moment

"The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it.

The present is here, live it."

Thomas S. Monson

Walking down the trail, I have appreciated the sounds and fragrances behind me, and I do hope beyond the bend, the sun will continue to warm my face.  Right in this moment, I am being nurtured by nature allowing me to send endless love, light, and prayer out into the numerous realms of the world. 

Veering off onto side paths can saturate my curiosity, but if I am in the middle of a present moment moving down a specific trail, application of what I know is imperative. In this particular time in space, what do I want to develop and apply? Using my value of well spent time, I am living a life with purpose and joy.

Each one of us gets to decide which actions best support our needs. Individual choice is cultivated by our relationship with the self. We cannot appropriately choose if we have not identified authentic direction. Identify and release inspiration and kindness out into the world to expand and receive. 

Moving Forward with Loving Kindness

 

"You loved them because love is in you. You had fun because you

are fun. You felt happy because you are a happy person. You gave your all 

because that is who you are. You have a really beautiful way of loving."

Michael Pinsker

When a relationship abruptly ends when we thought it would be forever, overwhelming pain floods our body, mind and soul. We may feel frozen in time and space. How in the world can we move forward and just where will we find the strength? Then fault finding settles in and self-criticism plagues our perceptions and distorts clarity.

We may feel drenched in loneliness and shame in darkness. We tend to choose new routines rather than brave the old. We adapt our presence with friends and gatherings, increasing our hollow souls. No matter what others tell us, we will not return to appreciation of our own self-worth until we choose to begin the healing process.

Do not allow other people's behavior to define you. Spend considerable time recalling the good we have done but make note of things we could improve on. Indulge in learning something new and spend concentrated time with those who treasure our friendship. In our mind's eye, visualize ourselves moving forward in loving kindness for ourselves and others.

Speaking Our Truth

 

"The life meant for you will not require you to abandon yourself to keep it."

Wise Woman Warrior 

There may be parts of the self that need some nurturing or adjustment. If someone however is adamant about altering our values or presence in the world, exploring motivation is beneficial. We have numerous parts to our self as differing situations may require specific aspects from within the whole.

We may be a leader in one season or a follower in another, but our inner essence deserves to be the same. No matter what the task before us that our personality is adjusting to, aught not require our inner spirit to be diminished.  We can reach for the high note or lower our tone but never silence the essence within.

There comes a point in life when we quit changing masks. Spiritual presence aligns with the  physical adjusting only the boundaries. There is great comfort in being able to be basically the same person in every situation. Some may receive a little higher or lower tone, but the voice is consistently speaking our truth. 

Being Alone In Darkness

"Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise."

Victor Hugo 

For some of us, we have always been in the dark and not always by personal choice. We may have had options, but nothing effective enough to allow the light to come in. If life is truly hard, sometimes it seems as though remaining in the dark where we know the pitfalls are more appealing than learning and embracing bright lights.

The first time we slide down the chute into darkness, one isn't aware if we'll ever get out. With repetition, we can be aware there is an exit but become paralyzed in fear. There can be a moment when we glance upwards and catch a glimpse of a light that seems to resonate within us. Hope is kindled and we begin to navigate towards the light above.

Often times, the people who have lingered alone in the darkness can become the brightest shining light. Having experienced extreme blackness, they are drawn towards the uplifting resonance of illumination. One quick glimpse of radiance is enough to lure the dark soul out of the shadows. All the more reason to keep our light shining.  

Hanging On ...

"Some of us think holding on makes us strong but sometimes it is letting go."   Herman Hesse 

There are so many options to life, it is quite exciting when one appears when we least expect it. We may have been yearning for a change but may become overwhelmed when it appears. We may be worried about having the strength to reveal our plans to others or question our ability to stand before other's criticism.

We have the unfortunate tendency to hang on to what we know rather than risking adventure. We may desire to hang on to what we have until a perfect scenario arrives all wrapped up in a perfect package. The truth is we do not have to jump ship all at once. We can release the need to rush and let things unfold.

The Universe really is quite good at providing us with gifts, even though many of them go unnoticed. When aware, we slowly gather tidbits that when gathered together begin to form a reasonable plan. There is no rush, no race, but rather a well-paced gait towards a door that slowly opens. 

Open ...

"Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once

in a while, or the light won't come in."

Alan Alda 

Life might be perfect with every thought in place. We may have security that allows us to enjoy every day. What if, however, we open ourselves just one more time for exploration? Scan over the past and notice if there are any lofty aspirations that we backed away from. Maybe we deserve one more go around with the dance of creativity.

We may have left a dream behind out of fear of failure or the timing may have been off. We could have questioned our skills or listened too closely to nay-sayers. Perhaps we pushed it into our future not realizing that the future is right here. Whatever comes up ... a person, skill or experience, consider revisiting possibilities.

We fear disappointment, but regret bares its own heaviness. If we open ourselves in today's world, our perception and drive may be different from years ago. We have faced challenges and adapted to scenarios around us. Now it may be time to open to an element of risk to experience a dream come true!

Proceed With Change

 

"Things do not change. We change."

Henry David Thoreau 

To proceed in life, we are asked to be flexible and adjust accordingly. Our perspectives may not be in accordance with what is open to us. In learning experiences, we are asked to adapt what we have been taught. All of this is reasonable, but if we feel that our values are being lowered, we truly need to step back with new assessments.

If a situation pops up in the middle of our life, it is there for a reason. We waste our energy by being defensive, so stand back to figure out what is to be learned. In any learning experience, it is best to enter with a clear mind, open to diverse lessons. Sometimes, we really do not realize the full impact of a situation until later.

When faced with a challenge, whether personal, social or professional, if it feels uncomfortable like it will require a change in our integrity, there needs to be a pause. Lessons change us, isn't that the point? But never will we better ourselves if we are asked to be lesser than who we have struggled to become.

Response to Encounter

 

"Things do not change. We change."

Henry David Thoreau

What do we want to call that inner dark spot of ourselves? Do we say spirit, soul, heart, divine, ego ... the list could go on. But this tight spot within monitors all of the energy extending from us, coming into us, or simply being still. It is this source within that determines change. Change is a reaction we choose in response to all that is around un.

We may choose change based on self-doubt, fear, or creative passion. Reactions are determined not by what we encounter, but how we respond to the encounter. The presentation can be of a positive nature or an impulsive negative nudge, but neither will be activated unless we individually choose.

If we do not choose, then life might be happening to us. Doing nothing is a response and our life itself is an animation not reality. Perhaps a good point to start is to ask our lovely selves why we are not choosing? What we have drawn to us may be totally unstimulating or defeating. Perhaps it is time to change the channel ... look for new scenarios, now. 

"Many Lives, Many Masters," Dr. Brian Weiss

 

"The Universe will place strangers in your life to take you to higher places."

Minions World

Dr. Brian Weiss's book, "Many Lives, Many Masters" is a remarkable resource for exploring accounts of past life regression. In the 1980's, I became familiar with him after deep dives with authors like Dr. Raymond Moody, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler Ross, and Helen Wamback. One may wonder how depressing this subject might be, but actually, it is quite liberating!

The focus does not have to be on documentation, although important, but about content. These authors continuously broadened my concept about death and dying. I found this subject to be enlightening, assuring me that there is much more to life than being made in the USA.  All previously preached brain washing simply faded away.

With broadened understanding, strangers became intriguing rather than circumspect. In time, I would realize that strangers were frequently spiritual relations from repeated lifetimes together. Everyone we meet has a message, not always positive, but nevertheless, information linking all of life together upon higher ground.

Continuously Moving

"Thousands have lived without love, not one without water."

W. H. Auden

Born in Chicago, I grew up by Lake Michigan, having access to water year around. Although I did learn to ice skate on it, its presence was one of a comforting rhythm, a cleansing affect, and connection with nature. Rushing to shore, water presented the strength to repeatedly rise and fall in spite of a current.

With its resilience, water sustains life and can adapt to any container imaginable. It represents clarity and welcomes deeper depths of exploration. Water connects with all things reflecting unity. It symbolizes ability to be both strong and calm. Offering serenity and balance, a sense of refresh and renew lifts the spirit.

Spiritually, water is highly significant to me. It symbolizes emotions, purity and cleansing. It is a constant in cultural and religious traditions. It reflects the power to continuously move forward in spite of any current trying to impede progress. It was always available to me ... no fee or membership, available in all seasons, and present in all stages of my unfolding.

Response to Life

"Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it."

Lou Holtz

Even when we are carefully prepared, we can be caught off guard by people, places, or things. The amount of stress that occurs depends upon our reaction. Our attitude impacts the decisions we make. If we believe that life is happening to us, we may feel attacked; whereas, if we think that life is offering another lesson, we may feel curious.

Whether we believe we are a victim or a student of life, stress can still impact us. When it is not appropriately addressed, the case scenario can spiral out of control between making poor choices or no decisions at all. The first step is pivotal to the process. It is best if we can choose to stay in the moment and maintain positive thinking.

First, we can explore our options.  We can create a plan to move us towards the best option. Then we can detail what tools we may need whether it is physical instruments or carefully gathered information. Then we can address and resolve the issue. In the meantime, releasing the stress through meditation, workouts, or therapy increases our success.

 

Near Death Experiences

 

"What happens when we die? That is probably the most

often asked and perplexing question."

Raymond A. Moody, Jr.

In the early 1980's I read a book by Raymond A. Moody entitled "Life Ater Life."  It deeply broadened my viewpoint about death and dying. With documentation, Dr. Moody shared numerous incidents of near-death experiences (NDE) which professionals early on deemed as mental illness. 

Near Death Experiences occur when a person has a medical emergency such as a heart attack and is medically declared dead. The doctor has a medical report he shares with family or others in the room with the deceased. Unknown to them, the 'deceased' is having an out of body experience.

When the 'deceased' returns to his or her body, they report accurately everything said and who was present during the time they were declared dead. While they had been out of the body, they were in a silent communication with a 'light being' and others. Curious? "Life After Life" or "The Light Beyond" by Dr. Moody are excellent resources.

When the Fire is Out

 

"When there is a big disappointment, we don't know if that's the end

of the story. It may be the beginning of a great adventure."

Pema Chodron

Once a spark or wrongful fuel ignites flames burning in the heart, both good and challenging memories go up in smoke. Tolerating the heat, we dig through the rubble. Smoldering sorrows begin to leave scars that will never really heal. We may question what will be left in the remaining ashes.

There is no greater healer than time. Like the passing of seasons, our emotional makeup shifts alternating between forward and backward movements. One moment we may be thinking we are doing exceptionally well but then traces of smoke floating in the air trigger our memories to when we seemingly lost it all.

Our repressed thoughts eventually surface, and we choose whether they are an accelerant for additional pain or a fresh step towards inner peace. Determining the lesson, which was to be learned, accepting responsibility for the part we played, we willingly move forward. Refreshed, our senses are eager to find happiness again, relieved as the fire is finally out.

Image of Friendship

"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you."

Elbert Hubbard

Two women sat on a bench, barely speaking. They were spending time together in loving silence. They had been friends for so long, it seemed thoughts were shared without any need for conversations. An animated child would skip by, and the two women watched the little tike and then with pure joy, exchanged smiles and laughter.

As times change, men are experiencing deeper relationships, and the experience of bonding sets a significant example for others. When time is taken to experience one other, whether male or female or a mix, blessings and lessons are bountiful. Books can be best friends, but there is nothing like a hug from a favorite human!

The image of friendship being like a sheltering tree speaks volumes. It sees us through seasons of life, endures troubling weather, and although colorful, parts are eventually shed. Tree roots are very deep and persistently share with neighboring trees. When we look back over our life, we may see a forest of friendships.