Friday, June 13
- Scripture: Psalm 1:3 – “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
- Reflection: The text above offers the image of a tree rooted within a stable setting, close to water and nourishment, resulting in fruitful and consistent growth. Our relationship to Holy Love, our spiritual connection to what we deem to be our Higher Power, provides the flowing grace and care that sustains us through many events and experiences, and keeps us centered.
One counselor Vicki Botnick writes, “I liken people to beautiful, old oak trees. Our trunk is where our strength and sense of self is. It’s literally grounded, connected to the earth through a network of roots, and it’s solid, hefty, and multilayered. Up higher are the branches, and at their ends lay the leaves, constantly blown around by wind or rain. If we think of other people’s opinions (or traffic, or problems at work, or financial worries, etc.) as the weather, and our sense of self as the leaves, we can see how quickly and often we get battered. When we “live” up in our leaves, we feel that we’re easily swayed or, worse, hammered by outside influences. If we can work on “living” in our trunks, we feel solid, unable to be knocked down.” (full article: https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-esteem-growth-stay-true-to-your-roots-not-your-leaves-0302164)
What forms of spiritual self-care supports your thriving self? Remember that body, mind, and spirit are all connected. When one aspect of life is out of balance, it impacts our physical health, our mental wellness, and our emotional wellbeing. - Spiritual Practice Prompt: Stand in what you consider to be a holy place. Take in your surroundings. Breathe deeply. Lift your arms, if you’re able. Give thanks for the aspects of your life that keep you rooted and centered.
Song:
- Water Your Garden by Brandon Isaak: https://youtu.be/snU49jqUlZk?si=0WAFRfrJPxWzsOTH
- Rooted by Dian Barnett: https://youtu.be/qmy9Q044Fls?si=nYjgDd8ppOsTmdNh
To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul. — Simone Weil
The ignorant mind, with its infinite afflictions, passions, and evils, is rooted in the three poisons. Greed, anger, and delusion. — Bodhidharma
June 13 Daily Devotional