Just Leaves
These two leaves captured my attention as I walked down my school’s hallways one morning last week. They are both small—probably less than 2 inches long or wide. I noticed them, unscathed, after hundreds of feet had made their way through that area. They were probably about fifty yards from each other. I took their pictures and combined them for the photo above.
So what? Big deal. They are just leaves Lisa. There are thousands and thousands of leaves starting to fall and getting moved around by breezes and shoes and passing vehicles this time of the year. So what? What’s the big deal? I was curious how these two fragile little leaves got into our school. Where did they start their morning? How far had they come? I didn’t pick them up, so I don’t know their fate. I do know, that like them, I am also fragile and I don’t know all that life has in store for me.
Life is precious and fragile. We are like these little leaves floating along for a brief time in a wide universe beyond our comprehension. It is good to reflect on our human existence this way at times. It is humbling, in a good way. It brings gratitude for this earthly vehicle that carries me from place to place and nourishes itself with oxygen and nutrients while I go about the business of the day. Amazing grace.
These leaves have a story. You have a story. I have a story. Let’s honor all of these stories. Honor the natural world, of which we are only a part. We are participants more than we are directors. Communication, connections, and collaboration are all key to our ability to live life fully. We need each other. Let’s soften our hearts and mindsets enough to offer our best selves as we communicate, connect, collaborate.
These leaves are so much more than just leaves. Let’s remember that, just for today.
One more note to offer today. Sunday, September 21 is World Gratitude Day. Read more about it in a previous post I wrote here on my previous blog, Habitual Gratitude. And consider these words, some from a previous post, some fresh today:
Gratefulness is so much more than giving thanks. It is finding meaning in our days. It is noticing Nature and other living beings. It is leaning into painful emotions as part of life and as some of our best teachers.
It is being present, breath by breath, to realize the gifts in the breath and the moment. Living gratefully increases energy and decreases self-pity and fear.
The ongoing transformation of living gratefully is one of the most profound experiences of my life. It brings color and vibrancy. Let the transformation continue.
Daily gratitude is my goal. If considering a grateful living practice is new to you, just start. Just start. Just notice. It will grow from there. Onward!
