The carefree birch trees dancing in the driving storm taught me to do the same. I learned that even when life gets rough, I still have the option for how I respond. Dancing with life’s struggles helps me to navigate situations more skillfully, and I stay open to creative resolutions.
The carefree birch trees dancing in the driving storm taught me that joy and playfulness are always an option. When I hold space for the situation to rage, the storm blows over more quickly, and there is far less damage. I learned that the situation is not “against” me: the situation is always neutral. Remembering this lesson aligns me with the situation, priming me to leverage it for the best possible benefit.
The carefree birch trees dancing in the driving storm taught me to be true to myself, and trust that I have everything I need to face any challenges that rise up to meet me. Shelter from a storm is of course useful when it’s an option, but if shelter is unavailable, I create my own shelter simply by not resisting the storm.
Breathe deeply as the storm rages. Feel the unwavering smile lurking somewhere deep within. Remember those moments of awe when you became aware of a hand you could use for grasping, feet you could use for standing, and legs you could use for walking. Remember that moment of insight when you became aware that if you voiced a particular sound, the people around you would respond in a particular way. Rather than using these miraculous features as tools to get or give, use them as tools to learn. When we do that, our lives become a playground for discovery. Driving storms now incite curiosity more than fear, and we are free to share our dance with the world.