This last summer, i was at an outdoor event where i was asked to offer ceremony for a group of people... it was being held in a beautiful space in the verdant forest here on the west coast...
As folk were gathering, i was in complete awe of the forest beauty in front and all around me... and, simply enjoying the moment as i waited for folk to settle in for the ceremony.
Just being there was so healing... rich in fresh cool air during one of the hottest days of the summer...
About 15 feet away, right in front of me was one particular very tall and ancient cedar tree... an old soul 'grandmother' who greeted me seeming pleased we were gathering to create sacred space together - that 'we' were actually acknowledging this sacred landscape... It was good to connect as i continued to wait... she welcomed me and was curious...
One man walked by and around the old tree and looked up at her as he was chatting with his friend... I overheard him say...
"Wow, that's a big one eh?... I wonder how much it's worth on the market?"
His comment startled me though didn't surprise me either...
I sighed quietly and shook my head in disbelief to myself knowing his perception of this grand old tree, who was probably 200-300+ or more years older than he, was only seen as an 'object' or a 'product' that held monetary value and nothing else... He didn't seem at all awed by this old soul's beauty, presence or deep knowledge she held from being rooted in the earth for so long. His mindset was just what could be earned or taken from her and our mother.
My heart aches as our culture continues to perceive our blessed earth mother as a resource to be used and abused... where she is our source... for, we wouldn't be here without her!
