Last week a bucket truck and workers clad in day-glo vests carrying chainsaws were seen in the vicinity of GCW.
Instead of trimming weak branches and removing dead wood as I had hoped, her western trunk was cut off several feet above her roots. Huge chunks of wood, splinters, and bark now scatter the ground around her for many yards.
GCW in parts
I feel a huge sense of sadness and loss at this action. The landscape and horizon here on our patch have been changed forever.
For some reason a part of her eastern trunk was allowed to remain, so a portion of her once magnificent crown still gathers in summer light through silver and green leaves.
Remaining crown and trunk of GCW
It is not known if the men in chainsaws will return to finish the job and bring her completely down.
Her remaining lifespan and physical being have been severely curtailed, but her spirit endures.
Cross section of GCW
I know she will continue to speak. Her wise and loving spirit cannot be destroyed, cannot be diminished or eradicated.
The health and life of our planet depends on the collective choices of human beings. You have the agency, the free will, two hands arms and legs, the capabilities and brain power to make or break, create or destroy, build or demolish, weave or tear.
All life on Earth now depends on you and your species to take responsibility for the health and life of our planet! Each and every person, every living being, from the humblest human being to the richest person on Earth, from lowly ants nesting in the soil to the mighty elephants of Africa and Asia from tunneling worms to magnificent soaring birds all depend on the interconnected web of life.
Grandmother Cottonwood
Humans now in this age with the stroke of a pen, the detonation of a bomb, the clear cutting of a mountainside, the gratuitous use of violence, the misuse of words and images have the power to damage or even destroy our web.
By God we need better from you! I speak for our Earth for the web of life, for all living beings.
You have been endowed with the stewardship of our planet and given the care of billions of your kind. All deserve to live in peace and plenty without fear.
Will you see those different than you as expendable as “other” as unworthy of your care or will you recognize your shared humanity? Will you see yourself in the mirror of their eyes?
Put down your weapons, your divisive actions words and thoughts and look inside yourselves. Find wholeness within your hearts. If you can’t find it, ask for help to know yourself!
Search your souls. Access your higher selves. Your spirits and hearts are larger and more expansive than you know. When you discover this you become one with the great wave of human consciousness shifting toward the light.
Cottonwoods at sunset
Dear humans, we spirits of nature have had enough of your drama and trauma! Our patience is growing thin.
Please step up and learn to live together in harmony. Use your power to restore the web of life.
From a minuscule seed to a towering giant many decades later, we trees have an enduring will to live to survive and thrive. We know how to persevere.
We develop strong roots and sturdy branches and thick bark to survive. In our tender days and weeks, we must survive hungry insects and gnawing mammals looking for a tender bite, a succulent treat, floods that would undercut our roots, drown on suffocate us, mowers and grazers, weeders, weed killers, cultivators.
Tiny seedlings and concrete
We must live with the prospectof being overshadowed by larger plants, storms, wind that might uproot us or break our branches, lightening strikes that kill our friends and neighbors, the dreaded chainsaw; winter chills frost upheavals, summer heat that could fry an egg.
Yet we endure! Every spring we wake and choose life once again, sending out new shoots and leaves, increasing our roots, growing taller, wider, stretching to the light.
Grandmother Cottonwood summer light
We persevere for what choice do we have? We choose life.
Dear friends, your power animal is a spirit helper who comes to you in a familiar form you can relate to and understand, one that will inspire and advise you.
Your logical mind may scoff at this idea. Your logical mind or your logical friends may call you crazy or state that you are living in a fantasy world divorced from reality.
I’m here to tell you, there is a spiritual reality you can access when you allow your mind to release doubts, worries, shoulds and oughts. When you release your ego for a time and let your brain slow down and relax, you are better able to connect with the vast and rich spirit world that underpins all measurable, scientifically agreed upon reality.
Pair of Canada geese swimming at dusk
For those of you who are able to access the spirit realms, spend time face to face with your living and compassionate spirit helper. When you get to know them, when you’ve built up trust, you can merge with your power animal. They will let you know when you’re ready.
Invite them in, allow yourself to dissolve into pure energy and let your energy become one with your creature. You will know what is it to fly and soar on warm updrafts or to pop into a cool earthen burrow, to smell the rich soil, to gallop at top speed for miles without tiring, to build a tiny nest in a tall tree…
…to feel your wings spread wide on hot sunlight, to weave a beautiful web in a forest, to allow your body and being to transform in a cozy cocoon, to sip nectar from wildflowers, to see the Earth spread out below you in its wild beauty, the rivers, mountains, plains, the valleys and lakes.
Amazing spider web
Use these powers for good, for the healing of your life, for the gaining of compassion and empathy, for increasing your wisdom, for inspiration, for comfort, for the betterment of our Earth.
Your power animal will help you experience new insights and expand your definition of reality.
Can you widen your perspective for a moment? Imagine rising up above our Earth like a soaring bird and viewing the beauty of our land from above…
…the woodlands, streams and rivers, the grazing deer, flocks of birds flying below, fields of green, shady and pleasant neighborhoods, the gardens and parks, lakes and ponds, farms and ranches, the quiet cemeteries, the playing fields…
…Vast oceans and seas, waves breaking on beaches and rocks, mountain peaks and deserts… clouds of butterflies migrating…
Flying bird, summer landscape
From this birds eye perspective you may begin to discern the magnificence and complexity of the web of life on this planet. Can you feel the peace and calm that seem to be generated in some areas?
Do you feel a kinship, a deep connection with all that you see?
But dear ones, as you soar above the Earth you may also see the devastation created by human alterations of our ecosystems, over-development and pollution. You may see some dying and diseased landscapes.
You may sense the anger and suffering inequitable policies have engendered. You might feel the widespread fear of disease for those with no safety net. You may feel the grief of those who have lost loved ones in the pandemic.
The web of life weakens when those with too much power believe the accumulation of massive wealth is the only thing that matters. When this grasping for wealth is valued over the equitable balance and distribution of resources, when health care is doled out for profit and those who cannot pay are left behind, the health and well being of all life on this planet suffer.
When kindness empathy and mutual benefit are seen as weak, when living together in harmony is scoffed at, when co-existing in peace doesn’t manufacture enough money to fill the bottomless pit of greed, the web of life weakens.
Do not allow the precious and complex beauty of our world to become damaged beyond repair under the weight of such stupidity greed and negligence.
Choose leaders who seek to assuage suffering, who do not turn their backs when others are hurting. Choose leaders who are rooted in reality, who make decisions based on the best advice available, who use their power for the good of all humans, all beings, the web of life.
When there is balance within the great web of life on Earth, all her beings can thrive.
Sun sinks toward the western horizon. Light pierces through the woods creating long shadows, dramatically spotlighting a single leaf, tree trunk, branch or blossom.
Robin sings the familiar evening songs all robins have sung since this land was new.
American robin
Tender new maple leaves fan out, yellow green against the pale blue late afternoon sky. Ferns unroll their sweet green toothy leaves and stretch out in the cool shade.
Violets shelter close to the ground, lifting their purple faces among the heart shaped leaves. Bumble bees work every possible blossom while the light holds.
The plants, trees, shrubs, perennials, and what are often called weeds grow in a riot, each claiming its place, rooting down and reaching up to the light, each finding a home.
Red squirrel
Squirrels chase and take giant leaps from tree to tree, passing time with a little craziness, a little play, a little high wire act with no net.
Turkey vultures
Vultures make their way home from all across the city, soaring, catching the last updrafts of the day. They can’t resist a few final figure eights, and possibly an aerial trick or two, formation flying with their next of kin before bedtime. They finally approach the roost trees and make a production of settling down with much flapping.
The waxing moon sails like a kite above the houses waiting for night.
Now only the tree tops catch the sunlight, burnishing them a golden green or bronze for a precious moment before all is bathed once again in shadow.
All creatures and rooted beings who make their living here take their essential place in the web of life.
Our Earth turns and the sun sinks below the horizon. Time to rest and settle. Time to watch the stars come out.
Life spins a chrysalis around you right now, a container for transformation.
Like a caterpillar within a chrysalis, you must face darkness and uncertainty, let go of all you’ve known, trust and surrender to the transformation life requires of you right now.
Painted lady butterfly on gold marigold
Remember this, even in the darkest hours you are alive. You have what you need in this moment. You breathe, your heart beats. You have been given the most precious gift – life.
This period of great adversity will transform your life. You can choose how that will play out –
Will you stay in your metaphorical chrysalis and get stuck in the past, or will you thrive and adapt to the new world reality, drawing on your inner resources, your ingenuity, and spirit?
If so, you will be required to develop stamina, courage, patience, and perseverance.
Orange butterfly on elderberry bush
I wish for all humans an emergence into a soul satisfying new life when this is over, a beautiful transformation.
Tender green shoots reach toward the sun. This is life on our home, Planet Earth. The seasons turn, spring follows winter, the earth revolves, night follows day. All life depends on these ancient cycles and rhythms that we have learned to trust and depend on.
Cottonwoods at dusk
But now the web of life has been severely disrupted, threatening human life on our home planet and creating vast imbalances that magnify pre-existing imbalances and injustices. This disruption is throwing life on our blue and green planet out of tune, off true center, out of kilter, creating untold misery.
The intricate web of life has kept our planet healthy and in balance for millennia, providing conditions for life under the sun and stars. Now the damage to our web is showing up with widespread sickness and death, magnifying the imbalances that provide rude shelter and meager food for billions, a basic existence for many, abundant food, water, good health and riches for some; vast unimaginable wealth for a few.
To help reweave the web of life, begin to rethink your definition of wealth. Let your new thinking inspire new actions.
What is more precious than clear unpolluted fresh air or a deep breath that is easily exhaled? The feel of sun or rain on your skin, the beauty of thriving evergreen trees, blooming grasses and flowers, songbirds building their nests, the sight of a thin crescent moon through bare tree branches? Happy and healthy children? The tastes and textures of a simple meal to be savored? The smile of a loved one? A warm home in winter? What is true wealth?
Evergreens
Can you simplify and downsize your life and still feel wealthy?
Rethink your definition of what is necessary for you to enjoy daily life. Rethink your definition of true health. That includes health for all who people this Earth, and all life forms that grow and live their lives here on land, in sea and air.
The disruption in the web of life on Earth will help to focus your human attention on what is precious, what is true in your life, what changes you wish to make, what you can do that will help all living beings reweave our priceless web of life in which all things are one.
Rethink your true purpose here. Go beyond the surface. Dig deeper in your thinking. Tune in to your heart and spirit, and ask to know your role in the web of life and your role in reweaving the web.
We are all connected as one. We are meant to thrive together in our interconnections, to live in harmony and balance.
We all create and experience the best of life and health together, or we stand by and witness the diminishment of our lives, our families our potential, and our spirits.
We must act with compassion to reweave and restore true balance in our web of life.
Can you go outside right now?Let thesounds of nature calm you- birdsong, breeze through evergreens, squirrels chuffing chattering and chewing on last fall’s nuts, water rushing downstream…
Red squirrel
Let the sights of nature bring you joy – sunlight pooling and dancing on the earth, trees casting long undulating shadows, spring blooms bursting out, green and red shoots poking out of the ground, birds flashing in and out of the underbrush, red and rust colored cardinals, bluejays goldfinches, robins sparrows, butterflies, moths, bees…
Let the smells and fragrances of new grass, fresh cut greenery, flowering spring bulbs, decaying leaves, tender soft green leaves, a sudden spring rain shower lift your spirits.
Be mindful of the feel of rough tree bark, soft feathers, tender new growth, the textured stems of shrubs, smooth or rough stones. If you can, put your hand in a clear stream, and gently stir and move the cool water. Feel the solid earth beneath your body, under your feet.
Let the tastes of simple foods that come from the earth nourish your body and bring you satisfaction – the sharp and rooty onions, peppery radishes, sweet sugary pea sprouts, the earthy potatoes and other root vegetables, the subtle lettuce, chewy chard… Savor and enjoy these everyday pleasures.
Must you stay inside right now? Find natural objects in your home or have a loved one find something nearby that will infuse your space with energy of nature.
Shells, plants, growing sprouts and herbs, photos and paintings of trees, landscapes, specimens of tree bark, flowering branches, stones of all shapes & colors – stack them up – sand in a bottle, potted bulbs, beautiful wooden carvings and objects, a small terrarium.
Arrange and display these things you’ve collected over the years, touch and enjoy them again, use them in new ways that will spark your creativity. Connect with these objects and precious living things that hold the energy of your true home, mother Earth.
Dear ones, as you try out this practice, set an intention to raise your vibrations and calm yourself during this time of great uncertainty.
Breathe in Earth energy, breathe out fear
Visualize beautiful deep roots like the roots of a large tree growing down into the Earth from your hips, legs, feet. Now breathe in through your roots and feet. As you inhale, allow your feet, legs, hips, abdomen and lower body to fill with Earth energy. This will anchor and connect you with Earth’s loving vibrations, the energy of home.
Take several deep breaths in and out through your feet and roots. On the out-breaths, let tension, stale energies, old emotions, fears, and worries you no longer need to carry within you drain into the Earth for energetic recycling. This will ground and clear you.
Connect to the Earth
Fill yourself with divine light and color
Visualize a beam of pure clear golden light filling you through the crown of your head. Allow it to pour down through your entire body, permeating every cell like liquid gold.
Imagine every hair follicle, skin cell, blood vessel, every nerve, all organ systems, every bone, connective tissue and tendon, all muscles, your immune system and glands, respiratory and circulatory systems, every energetic particle of your physical being filled with this sacred light, bringing all body systems and organs into balance and harmony, clarifying your aura.
Now, as you visualize this beautiful light, allow it to become any color in the spectrum, whatever vibration of color is needed in your body to bring wholeness, healing and well being. Let the colors change and flow and mix as needed.
No need to think too hard about it or consult a chart. Ask for the colors to be just right for your body’s needs. Allow yourself to sit with the healing colors and light as long as needed.
Yellow swallowtail butterfly on deep pink Zinnia
Create sound and connect with all that is.
Set an intention to use your voice to resonate those areas of your body that feel out of balance. You will fill them with the healing vibrations and loving waves of your voice. You do not have to be a good singer, the only requirement is that you can make sounds with your voice.
Begin by humming, then make vowel sounds. Change the pitch and sound you are making and feel the vibrations resonating in different parts of your body that need attention. Intend for the sounds you create with your voice to reweave and harmonize the subtle energy of your physical and spiritual being and fill your being with peace.
Flowing stream, light dancing on shallow water
Connect to the Earth through your roots, fill yourself with divine light and color, weave all together with sound. Experience the oneness of all creation.
Ask Grandmother Cottonwood 