Thank you for the post about the trees. Sometimes I feel very alone and it is in nature that I find healing. Thanks for reminding me of that. Trees are amazing and something to be grateful for.
Thank you so much for this post, and it's so timely! I just created a playlist all about trees for @continuoconnect on Spotify. The music pays homage to 'The Enchanted Forest,' offering escape and respite, a spiritual retreat, space to reflect, and pure awe, wonder, and fun. It's all classical music if you'd like to check it out.
What a true joy and delight. A wonderful piece of writing, beautiful poem, exquisite song, terrific photos and guides for helping to act to lead us away from the shadows. Thank you very much!
Carrie, I think of you and your oneness with trees each time I venture out amidst the trees surrounding me. You have a special sense of their essence and a poet's way of describing them. Thank you!
Sitting with this image of the circle of trees…and pondering the beautiful souls in my circle. Feeling into the dance above the ground and connections below. Leaning into my circle more in past months out of need in a time of challenge. Noticing a curious thing, as I have embraced my own vulnerability and reached out, and others have responded- our bonds have grown exponentially. Moving away from the image of strength and practice of independence has nurtured personal and communal growth in ways I never imagined. Vulnerability has nurtured strength.
I wonder if this also works within a circle of trees- if one is in need I have learned that the others will send nutrients to the one in need. Does this also strengthen the individual giver tree? Or the whole circle? Intuitively have to think it does.
I love this image of the circle of trees… will sit with it more.
Even if the data is only half accurate, a million abortions per year (per Guttmacher data, considered biased by other side) is a lot of potential lost for those not loved, too often due to fixable problems like fear of poverty, or fathers and family who have a biological relation with the child taking responsibility via adoption and compensation for the mother’s time, or ensuring comprehensive data is shared to make fully informed decisions, such as safe reversal of the first dose of mifepristone. Regarding equal rights, if a conception (50/50 per science) was consensual, why do fathers have such unequal zero rights? Understand trying to listen and talk across political lines to try to voluntarily (not force of law) save a few lives is not tolerable so close to another divisive circus election billionaires keep winning for more profits, regardless of party.
Now going quietly, as this is your forum and your inspirational light and music is greatly appreciated.
Reflecting on your share and the image and wisdom of a grove-a community-of diversity and yet unity. I, too, marvel at how "the heart quivers in response" (Sylvia Boorstein) when individual and collective suffering rises to a level of awareness without prejudice, isms, need to defend.
I grieve this narrative of "rugged" individualism that I have and you have and we have inhaled and see it as one of the great "lies" of the politic, the market place and even the parenting that was modelled and repeated over and over. Working hard to overturn that legislation in my heart.
Champion Woman!! I join as an ally. For too long the myth of maleness (and white cisgender Christo-Emprireness) has decided what is and what is not for everyone. May the rise of Women continue and lead us forward and may we males stand down and support.
A circle of trees what a strong metaphor. It reminds me of my circle of church family support through my difficult times. Knowing I was never alone I was less “ vulnerable to the weather”. It reminds me of a song we sing at church called “ Draw the Circle Wide”. Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still, let this be our song no one stands alone standing side by side, draw the circle wide. I’m late in writing this post as I had a family emergency today. My brother in law was involved in a pretty serious accident this afternoon as a result of a medical trauma he experienced. He’s ok, banged up with a fracture in his back but he’s alright. I think right in our own families we can experience a circle of trees when support is needed. Seeing my husband go and be by his brother’s side and his parents arrive bringing together a family circle of trees. It feels good to know that in times like these we are not alone but surrounded by a “ circle of trees”. Thank you for this wonderful post Carrie it’s what I needed to hear and reflect on today.
Yes to your story of the connectedness and inter relationship of trees. I’ll soon be spending 10 days in northern Michigan where I’ll be surrounded by groves of pine trees. Like you, I often lie on the ground or just look up at them with wonder and awe. After reading your lovely words, I will now see these majestic pine trees with new eyes, artistic eyes. And I’ll imagine that we humans are able to be like the trees. Thank you.
Oh Carrie this writing was so visual! I felt like I was right there with you. It made think of being wrapped in the arms of my husband…the peaceful and calmness it gives me. It also reminded me to surround myself with nature and the joy it brings. It made me feel thankful for family roots and the bonding of my friends. I feel so uplifted and hopeful after reading this. Thank you.
Lovely essay. Today I moved, and had six friends come and help, I couldn't have done it myself, and I was thinking about this very theme, how we all can and need to help each other.
Ah yes, a circle of friends that are happy and willing to load and unload boxes is a beautiful thing. May there be many gatherings and toasts in your new home!!!
Two things you suggest I am not completely comfortable with.
1. The circle of trees. Maybe I’m being too picky. Or maybe I’m just weird. I recently changed my place of residence from southern Indiana to Chattanooga, TN. I’ll always be a Hoosier, but six years ago my wife of 49 years lost her battle with cancer. I’m getting old and found myself living alone. I’m fine now, but tomorrow? So I cleaned house and moved to a condo in Tennessee, near my oldest daughter. Some friends helped me pack what I wanted to keep. Gave them detailed instructions. Few listened. I arrived with a mountain of clutter. Love everyone but choose the trees you circle with carefully.
2. You frequently mention joining with “sisters”. I have very good friends of both genders. I try not to let that be a factor when choosing friends. If we see eye to eye, we’re friends. Let’s all be siblings. And GOD is our father.
Some several years back, you led a weekend retreat at Transfiguration Spirituality Center in Glendale, OH. As a group, we wrote a song, "Be Like Trees," "Being grounded, reaching up..." I long since lost my copy of the finished song you sent us, but this column reminded me of that experience. I'm still grateful!
Hi Evelyn, I’ll check and see if I still have that recording. I usually keep a file of things I record for workshop groups. If I find it would you like for me to send it to you?
Hopefully, we can value both independent thinking and interdependent living.
For example, 95% of abortions would have been healthy mothers and healthy babies, so why can’t we work together to offer real hope and real support (e.g. refundable tax credits, plus existing aid funding, to prevent fear of poverty) rather than bicker about the rare 5% politicians debate? When 80% of abortions are pressured by family and boyfriends, and 60% were not even desired, how is that empowering for women?
We as a society have failed to meet real human needs so far. Perhaps our system prefers to exclude the poor, while upper class voters get far larger tax breaks and subsidies for large homes, education, health care, capital gains, etc. Why can’t we see each other as equals and build systems of consensus (not winner-take-all or majority rules) to include each other as equals, rather than exclude each other?
Like the trees we can stand apart, yet still stand together for the common good.
Respectfully, I’m not sure where you found your statistics and I would suggest perhaps you check your numbers with a less bias source. I’m not sure if your question was rhetorical, but in response to your question about empowerment- women are empowered when they personally know they are equal spiritual beings that are fully capable of making the most important personal, medical, moral, spiritual and practical decisions about their own bodies and lives for themselves- and when they are not legally treated as incapable and their lives, knowledge and experience of lower worth. I hope that is an answer that helps if the question was not rhetorical. However, I do totally agree with you that we need to change how we think about social responsibility, especially to those most in need. We deeply need a more fair and equitable system. We can agree that we need to come together, find better solutions for all people living on the economic margins of our society. .
The 95% came from a large and likely biased pregnancy resource center, but even if only 50% of mothers and babies would have both been healthy, that would still be shocking. The 80% came from biased Moody Radio in a program encouraging young men to take responsibility and not pressure/coerce girlfriends. The 60% came from recent academic research survey, perhaps done by Catholics. Would love to learn if more accurate unbiased data exists, or even the data biased the other way.
Unlimited abortion is just as extreme as no abortion. Even Roe v Wade did not fully empower women to abort in risky third trimester. Glad we agree not providing sufficient financial support to stay out of poverty is disempowering, particularly if the child is desired, but fear of poverty or burden pressures the choice.
Grew up pro-choice for over 30 years, so understand fully. Let’s try to move beyond divisive politics and work together to find mutually acceptable solutions, as I’ve already done with my aethiest pro-abortion activist friend, who agreed with Bill Clinton that abortion should be rare. So, how best should we do that? What if both sides had to share office space and offer counseling to ensure both views were fully shared and women fully informed about the choice? Might even encourage co-workers to gradually listen to each other rather than demonize.
As an independent joyfully voting again for “all of the above” to represent my value for equality to bring us lasting peace, thank you very much for respectfully discussing a hot issue. Not worried about wasting my vote on a dysfunctional divisive system because shared government is what we should all want in our executive branch. Just searching for what is best for all. Eventually, we will Amend our Constitution, as we have many times before to keep empowering more of us, esp. women and minorities to share executive power.
Thanks for your explanation of how you’ve sourced your information, I would again encourage other sources of information than anti-choice sources. At its heart, this misinformation justifies in some strange way the removal of full citizenship rights from half the country as a form of protecting all women from male coercion and ultimately from themselves. This is simply another way of saying that women are weak minded, weak willed and cannot be trusted with the most important decisions about their own bodies and healthcare and therefore all women must be under the thumb of “ legally enforced male dominated guidance”. This line of thinking fails if you really believe women are equal spiritual beings, who are truly are capable of making spiritual, moral, practical decisions.
I do appreciate you are looking for what is best for all, I hear and read your good intentions and your heart. We will need to respectfully agree to disagree upon what empowers women.
For me, as a woman in this society, my full citizenship and value as an equal child of God is not an abstract idea…that is why women are fighting so hard in this moment. We are not weak minded or weak willed. We are strong, capable and wise. We are beloved equally of God - not less than or kind of sorta like men, but fully beloved equal spiritual beings.
Thank you for your input, but I think we’ve both been clear….we care, we both really do care. And so we can close our discussion knowing that our experiences and conclusions are different, but that we have been heard respectfully and honestly. We both care and will continue to work toward a better world for all - each according to our deepest beliefs and in our own way.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FczCv9did17d1vJo7
The view of trees at sunset through va hammock. ☮️🐧
Thank you for the post about the trees. Sometimes I feel very alone and it is in nature that I find healing. Thanks for reminding me of that. Trees are amazing and something to be grateful for.
Thank you so much for this post, and it's so timely! I just created a playlist all about trees for @continuoconnect on Spotify. The music pays homage to 'The Enchanted Forest,' offering escape and respite, a spiritual retreat, space to reflect, and pure awe, wonder, and fun. It's all classical music if you'd like to check it out.
What a true joy and delight. A wonderful piece of writing, beautiful poem, exquisite song, terrific photos and guides for helping to act to lead us away from the shadows. Thank you very much!
Carrie, I think of you and your oneness with trees each time I venture out amidst the trees surrounding me. You have a special sense of their essence and a poet's way of describing them. Thank you!
Sitting with this image of the circle of trees…and pondering the beautiful souls in my circle. Feeling into the dance above the ground and connections below. Leaning into my circle more in past months out of need in a time of challenge. Noticing a curious thing, as I have embraced my own vulnerability and reached out, and others have responded- our bonds have grown exponentially. Moving away from the image of strength and practice of independence has nurtured personal and communal growth in ways I never imagined. Vulnerability has nurtured strength.
I wonder if this also works within a circle of trees- if one is in need I have learned that the others will send nutrients to the one in need. Does this also strengthen the individual giver tree? Or the whole circle? Intuitively have to think it does.
I love this image of the circle of trees… will sit with it more.
Even if the data is only half accurate, a million abortions per year (per Guttmacher data, considered biased by other side) is a lot of potential lost for those not loved, too often due to fixable problems like fear of poverty, or fathers and family who have a biological relation with the child taking responsibility via adoption and compensation for the mother’s time, or ensuring comprehensive data is shared to make fully informed decisions, such as safe reversal of the first dose of mifepristone. Regarding equal rights, if a conception (50/50 per science) was consensual, why do fathers have such unequal zero rights? Understand trying to listen and talk across political lines to try to voluntarily (not force of law) save a few lives is not tolerable so close to another divisive circus election billionaires keep winning for more profits, regardless of party.
Now going quietly, as this is your forum and your inspirational light and music is greatly appreciated.
Reflecting on your share and the image and wisdom of a grove-a community-of diversity and yet unity. I, too, marvel at how "the heart quivers in response" (Sylvia Boorstein) when individual and collective suffering rises to a level of awareness without prejudice, isms, need to defend.
I grieve this narrative of "rugged" individualism that I have and you have and we have inhaled and see it as one of the great "lies" of the politic, the market place and even the parenting that was modelled and repeated over and over. Working hard to overturn that legislation in my heart.
Champion Woman!! I join as an ally. For too long the myth of maleness (and white cisgender Christo-Emprireness) has decided what is and what is not for everyone. May the rise of Women continue and lead us forward and may we males stand down and support.
Thank you as always Carrie. Trees are my refuge.
“I am a fool who’s life’s been spent
Between what’s said and what is meant”
“There Is a Tree” is one of my favorites!
A circle of trees what a strong metaphor. It reminds me of my circle of church family support through my difficult times. Knowing I was never alone I was less “ vulnerable to the weather”. It reminds me of a song we sing at church called “ Draw the Circle Wide”. Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still, let this be our song no one stands alone standing side by side, draw the circle wide. I’m late in writing this post as I had a family emergency today. My brother in law was involved in a pretty serious accident this afternoon as a result of a medical trauma he experienced. He’s ok, banged up with a fracture in his back but he’s alright. I think right in our own families we can experience a circle of trees when support is needed. Seeing my husband go and be by his brother’s side and his parents arrive bringing together a family circle of trees. It feels good to know that in times like these we are not alone but surrounded by a “ circle of trees”. Thank you for this wonderful post Carrie it’s what I needed to hear and reflect on today.
Yes to your story of the connectedness and inter relationship of trees. I’ll soon be spending 10 days in northern Michigan where I’ll be surrounded by groves of pine trees. Like you, I often lie on the ground or just look up at them with wonder and awe. After reading your lovely words, I will now see these majestic pine trees with new eyes, artistic eyes. And I’ll imagine that we humans are able to be like the trees. Thank you.
Oh Carrie this writing was so visual! I felt like I was right there with you. It made think of being wrapped in the arms of my husband…the peaceful and calmness it gives me. It also reminded me to surround myself with nature and the joy it brings. It made me feel thankful for family roots and the bonding of my friends. I feel so uplifted and hopeful after reading this. Thank you.
Thank you Robin, your descriptions of circles you have experienced are so lovely. I could feel them just by reading them. Ah yes my friend.
Lovely essay. Today I moved, and had six friends come and help, I couldn't have done it myself, and I was thinking about this very theme, how we all can and need to help each other.
Ah yes, a circle of friends that are happy and willing to load and unload boxes is a beautiful thing. May there be many gatherings and toasts in your new home!!!
Two things you suggest I am not completely comfortable with.
1. The circle of trees. Maybe I’m being too picky. Or maybe I’m just weird. I recently changed my place of residence from southern Indiana to Chattanooga, TN. I’ll always be a Hoosier, but six years ago my wife of 49 years lost her battle with cancer. I’m getting old and found myself living alone. I’m fine now, but tomorrow? So I cleaned house and moved to a condo in Tennessee, near my oldest daughter. Some friends helped me pack what I wanted to keep. Gave them detailed instructions. Few listened. I arrived with a mountain of clutter. Love everyone but choose the trees you circle with carefully.
2. You frequently mention joining with “sisters”. I have very good friends of both genders. I try not to let that be a factor when choosing friends. If we see eye to eye, we’re friends. Let’s all be siblings. And GOD is our father.
Some several years back, you led a weekend retreat at Transfiguration Spirituality Center in Glendale, OH. As a group, we wrote a song, "Be Like Trees," "Being grounded, reaching up..." I long since lost my copy of the finished song you sent us, but this column reminded me of that experience. I'm still grateful!
Hi Evelyn, I’ll check and see if I still have that recording. I usually keep a file of things I record for workshop groups. If I find it would you like for me to send it to you?
Wow, that would be great! Thank you!
Looks like it was February 2020, if that helps...
Hopefully, we can value both independent thinking and interdependent living.
For example, 95% of abortions would have been healthy mothers and healthy babies, so why can’t we work together to offer real hope and real support (e.g. refundable tax credits, plus existing aid funding, to prevent fear of poverty) rather than bicker about the rare 5% politicians debate? When 80% of abortions are pressured by family and boyfriends, and 60% were not even desired, how is that empowering for women?
We as a society have failed to meet real human needs so far. Perhaps our system prefers to exclude the poor, while upper class voters get far larger tax breaks and subsidies for large homes, education, health care, capital gains, etc. Why can’t we see each other as equals and build systems of consensus (not winner-take-all or majority rules) to include each other as equals, rather than exclude each other?
Like the trees we can stand apart, yet still stand together for the common good.
Respectfully, I’m not sure where you found your statistics and I would suggest perhaps you check your numbers with a less bias source. I’m not sure if your question was rhetorical, but in response to your question about empowerment- women are empowered when they personally know they are equal spiritual beings that are fully capable of making the most important personal, medical, moral, spiritual and practical decisions about their own bodies and lives for themselves- and when they are not legally treated as incapable and their lives, knowledge and experience of lower worth. I hope that is an answer that helps if the question was not rhetorical. However, I do totally agree with you that we need to change how we think about social responsibility, especially to those most in need. We deeply need a more fair and equitable system. We can agree that we need to come together, find better solutions for all people living on the economic margins of our society. .
The 95% came from a large and likely biased pregnancy resource center, but even if only 50% of mothers and babies would have both been healthy, that would still be shocking. The 80% came from biased Moody Radio in a program encouraging young men to take responsibility and not pressure/coerce girlfriends. The 60% came from recent academic research survey, perhaps done by Catholics. Would love to learn if more accurate unbiased data exists, or even the data biased the other way.
Unlimited abortion is just as extreme as no abortion. Even Roe v Wade did not fully empower women to abort in risky third trimester. Glad we agree not providing sufficient financial support to stay out of poverty is disempowering, particularly if the child is desired, but fear of poverty or burden pressures the choice.
Grew up pro-choice for over 30 years, so understand fully. Let’s try to move beyond divisive politics and work together to find mutually acceptable solutions, as I’ve already done with my aethiest pro-abortion activist friend, who agreed with Bill Clinton that abortion should be rare. So, how best should we do that? What if both sides had to share office space and offer counseling to ensure both views were fully shared and women fully informed about the choice? Might even encourage co-workers to gradually listen to each other rather than demonize.
As an independent joyfully voting again for “all of the above” to represent my value for equality to bring us lasting peace, thank you very much for respectfully discussing a hot issue. Not worried about wasting my vote on a dysfunctional divisive system because shared government is what we should all want in our executive branch. Just searching for what is best for all. Eventually, we will Amend our Constitution, as we have many times before to keep empowering more of us, esp. women and minorities to share executive power.
Thanks for your explanation of how you’ve sourced your information, I would again encourage other sources of information than anti-choice sources. At its heart, this misinformation justifies in some strange way the removal of full citizenship rights from half the country as a form of protecting all women from male coercion and ultimately from themselves. This is simply another way of saying that women are weak minded, weak willed and cannot be trusted with the most important decisions about their own bodies and healthcare and therefore all women must be under the thumb of “ legally enforced male dominated guidance”. This line of thinking fails if you really believe women are equal spiritual beings, who are truly are capable of making spiritual, moral, practical decisions.
I do appreciate you are looking for what is best for all, I hear and read your good intentions and your heart. We will need to respectfully agree to disagree upon what empowers women.
For me, as a woman in this society, my full citizenship and value as an equal child of God is not an abstract idea…that is why women are fighting so hard in this moment. We are not weak minded or weak willed. We are strong, capable and wise. We are beloved equally of God - not less than or kind of sorta like men, but fully beloved equal spiritual beings.
Thank you for your input, but I think we’ve both been clear….we care, we both really do care. And so we can close our discussion knowing that our experiences and conclusions are different, but that we have been heard respectfully and honestly. We both care and will continue to work toward a better world for all - each according to our deepest beliefs and in our own way.