The Changing Leaves are always a miraculous sight for those of us in climates that provide this annual display of colorful foliage. The predictable transformation has become synonymous with change and a reminder that there is always new life, new growth just beyond what appears to be death. What is truly remarkable about the process is what causes the change in colors. As the hours of daylight become less, the tree responds to an inner signal. The signal is not to drop its leaves although that is what occurs. The signal is to begin new growth. The tree begins to direct its resources to new growth, to the buds that will occur in the spring. This focus on the new growth in turn diminishes the flow of nutrients to the current leaves and they respond by fading, falling and preparing the space for the new buds. As always, when I look at the falling leaves I know that new life will occur in the spring but today I recognize that the forming of new buds has already begun. In life, as I see something fading away, I know on an inner level that something new is forming within me. What falls away prepares the space for what is being called forth in me. This is the miracle of transformation that occurs in the trees, in my life and in the world.
© 2016. Reverend Eileen DeRosia Patra
Rev. Eileen is an ordained Unity minister currently serving at Unity of Livonia in Livonia, Michigan.
ROOTS. A Tree or plant is nurtured by its roots which absorb nutrients and moisture from the soil in which is planted. This is the miracle of nature, the miracle of life; seeking, growing, expanding, thriving and then being fruitful and multiplying. Like a tree, I have roots. When I get back to my roots, I get back to that which feeds me, that which nourishes me. When the roots of a tree are trimmed, the tree responds. An expertly trimmed bonsai will result in an exquisite replication of the roots.
STRENGTH is a miraculous faculty continually evolving and emerging through our life experiences. STRENGTH appears in a variety of forms such as physical STRENGTH, spiritual STRENGTH, moral STRENGTH and STRENGTH of character. Each provide the ability to overcome something of substantial size or weight. Each are cultivated through the choice to exercise them. But Spiritual STRENGTH differs in that the soul draws to itself experiences that command its development. Every day, in every way, you are by nature, growing in spiritual STRENGTH and stature. What seems substantial in size and weight today is the catalyst for the spiritual STRENGTH that supports you in your next adventure.
WATERMELON. A juicy, delightful miracle of fruit. I recall watermelon as the highlight of picnic lunches and family reunions as a child. It was not an everyday occurrence so it seemed extravagant and especially exciting to see those juicy red slabs ringed with white then green, dotted here and there with large, inedible seeds. Today I think about the relatively small size of those seeds and how they contrast with the enormous fruit that stems from them. It is miraculous to me that one small seed can produce so much fruit, juice, excitement, and joy. As I ponder what my next thought might be I consider how like the watermelon seed my thoughts are. One small seed can produce a day filled with joy and glory. And one small seed can, if I allow it, produce a day of challenge and struggle. The WATERMELON is a delightful miracle of pink pulp, sweet juice and seeds. My thoughts are also a miracle producing experiences enfolded within their nature. And even more miraculous is my ability to witness and choose the thoughts I hold in mind. I can see them crop up and choose to plant only the ones that will produce what is joyful, enormous, fruitful, delightful, sweet, and extravagant. Planting delightful WATERMELON seeds in my mind and in the world today. Affirming the same for you.
ART; visual, musical, written and performing, all are a MIRACLE that allow one to express their innermost feelings, beliefs, ideals, pain, questions, wonderings, hopes and dreams in a way that lets others in. Through the many forms of ART, we create openings to one another’s soul. We catch a glimpse of the Divine through another’s eyes. When we can see through another’s eyes, we reinforce the invisible network that is our connectedness in the whole of consciousness. We are all artists, creating the masterpiece of our lives through our thoughts, our beliefs and our actions. The palette we paint from is infinite in possibility and potential. It is the wholeness of God allowing us to choose what we will express in each moment. Will we choose one color or frequency of light over another? Or will we combine a selection of colors, an array of harmonious thoughts and energies that lift us and others to a higher expression of the whole? ART is a glorious and miraculous means of sharing the innermost Truth of beingness. What will you paint next?
An exquisite demonstration of rebirth, BUTTERFLIES always bring a special joy to my heart. Delicate, brilliant messengers of Life, they sip on nectar and carry life generating pollen from flower to flower. BUTTERFLIES also remind us that change can be uncomfortable but the end result is one of beauty, purpose and freedom. The caterpillar no doubt believes it is the end of the world just before she emerges as the miraculous winged creature she was destined to be. I greet this day with joy and anticipation for whatever miraculous essence of me is emerging. I recognize that in each and every moment there is a winged being in me continuously coaxing me to be the spiritual being I AM.
Eileen Patra 