Storms

Yesterday, a storm ripped through this being, mind and body.

I went to the forest, where usually there is connection, presence, and peace.
This time, there was the forest, and through it walked a silently screaming body carrying a tornado-mind, oblivious to forest beauty.

The forest stood still and accepted it.
The forest was kind to it.
It allowed free passage to this stormy being without judgment or obstruction.
It offered no resistance nor even once said…

“You are disturbing the peace.”

Each morning, I wake early and sit in prayer and contemplation, and I see the forest from my chair.
Each morning, the forest and I smile at each other.

The weather forecast says there are great storms and wild hurricane winds coming.
When they arrive and the forest is groaning and thrashing and being whipped around,
I hope to return its kindness.