“Count your blessings,” she smiled and said to me.

My mother was always there to remind, that even in our ‘worst’ , most uncertain of times, there was always something to be cherished. Perhaps indiscernible, at first — though, substantial nonetheless.

I must have been just 7 or 8 years old, at the time. And yet, I distinctly remember spending the rest of my day scouring through the wood line for every tree, every leaf, every overturned branch. Though the process proved to be tiresome, I was compelled by a belief stronger than any doubt.

I literally made note of every blessing ‘found’. I like this tree,” I recall saying. “Its base is welcoming and its bark is proud.” I felt safe beneath her limbs, as if this elder Maple was destined to protect. She seemed so kindly and patient, in contrast to that prickled up Pine.

Thus began my decades long process of conferring with the trees. A restorative aspect of my meditation practice, one that has served me well through these years.

Be mindful of your blessings, my loves. Though at times emotion may threaten to obscure, I promise you they are nonetheless. They are there to share an important reminder, that we mustn’t leave this life oblivious to their lessons.

It is the miracle of our birthright, and the majesty of this watch — lost only when the senses are dulled.

“You pray in your distress and in your need,” shares author Kahlil Gibran “Would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.”

Indeed, why wouldn’t we acknowledge the fullness of our joy? To pay homage to those blessings which surround.

In doing so, we are reminded – that every ‘lake’ belongs to the stillness of the swans.

In peace, my loves ~ ❤️

Photo credit: Jude Dippold