Ethan’s Acorn
An acorn. But not just any acorn. One gingerly felted out of delicious turquoise wool adorned with a fantastic, organic broad tam. Turquoise, a shade of blue, like the sea I sit beside. Blue, my favorite color, and all her derivatives. But this kernel, this seedling, this precious acorn brought all kinds of possibility packed so lovingly in its making. Nestled in my hand is potent potential.
Unwrapping the Christmas gift from my youngest great nephew, who perhaps has the greatest perspective, I received a treasure that launched my year. Little did I know, or will he perhaps ever know, how this 6 year old self challenged with home schooling in Vermont during the pandemic touched my sequestered self on the coast of South Carolina.
I repeat these words like a spell, a prayer, a mantra~
Nestled in my hand is potent potential.
Nestled in my hand is potent potential.
Nestled in my hand is potent potential.
On New Year’s Eve, I sign on for a Zoom workshop, all set to create good intentions for my year. I lead so many workshops, classes, and committees, I’m always glad for a fresh perspective and for someone else to take the helm. Lo and behold, the theme that pops up is trees. The rootedness, the blossoming into the new year. Our bodies, our minds, our lives well grounded, centered, and always with open arms for the future.
Imagine my surprise with an invitation to sing for a private event on the Spring Equinox focused on - you guessed it - trees. In a class I am teaching on Singing as Contemplative Practice, a student requests a song Standing Like a Tree, from our Ireland Singing Journey Retreat. It appears things have sprouted already, roots taken hold into this new life of 2021. The magnitude of color and variation is not lost on me. The seedling is different. Life is different, and so must I be. Variation on a theme. Extreme improvisation. Keeping my knees always bent so I can sway in the wind with every turn that comes my way in this year.
Acorns can be brilliantly turquoise. My favorite color! Like a child, may I stay playful, expectant, ever learning to see things differently. May I remain open to the possibilities and find a new way home. Nestled in my hand is potent potential.
Nestled in our hands is potent potential.