Uprooted

Often when we use the word uprooted there's a bit of a negative connotation that goes along with it -- "my husband's job required us to transfer, so we had to uproot the whole family." Uprooting implies a pulling out from the foundation, a shifting to an unfamiliar place, a separation from a nourishing place.

I made a beautiful discovery on my morning hike -- an uprooted tree showing its exposed roots. You'll have to excuse the picture -- it was taken with a camera phone (I've only used the camera function of the phone about 3-4 times, so I'm not all that talented with it). When I first spied this unusual sight, I didn't realize exactly what it was (I was coming at it from a different direction, so it was impossible to tell that it was an uprooted tree). My first thought was that it was beautiful. I didn't realize that I was looking at roots -- the life of this tree.

Although I didn't know what it was, it seemed like a work of art to me. It was only when I got closer that I realized that this poor tree had fallen victim to Mother Nature's whims. It saddened me to see that this tree was uprooted, but the site of the roots themselves fascinated me. They reminded me of all that stays hidden in one's day to day world. There's so much beauty beneath the surface, and yet we don't often see it (in this case, I only saw it because the tree had fallen).

As I stood there simply taking in the sight, my mind conjured up thoughts about the role of yoga in my life. One of the myriad reasons that I practice yoga is so that I can see my roots (and get in touch with them, explore them, honor them) -- for I know there is beauty there. Sometimes I hide them for protection, and other times I hide out of fear or perhaps shame. Seeing this fallen tree this morning reminded me of the value of going beneath the surface. It made me feel ever so grateful for nature (and its lessons) and for having a daily yoga practice.

Namaste!   

Comments

[trehug]

hello, sometimes language can imply so much, like yoga. the tree may not have fallen victim to mother nature's whim, but instead it has leapt into it's next pose, to become energy once again. an uprooted tree gives life, shelter, food, shadow, sound. i believe the tree is in a giving state

up
future
root
conscious
strength

to become more simple is progress, not regression
to renew is not an ending, but a path.

thank you for your words, best wishes

[Regina Clare Jane]

I agree, Diane... that is one of the reasons I decided to start going to a studio... I really needed to expose my roots a little bit, and by exposing them, to offer them a little more sunshine, a little more nourishment. Now, I feel much more dug in, as it were- I actually feel my foundation is stronger for the little bit of exposure! It's fascinating!
Thanks as always for your wonderful words...

[yogaglamgirl]

Deep, insightful, marvelous. Raw truth beneath the surface is profoundly beautiful to me.

[pradeep]

Interesting posts. I would think of a banyan tree with roots all over the place. :-)