The Woman Who Became the Tree: A Meditation Story About Connection and Courage

A transformative meditation experience teaches us about perspective, nature, and the courage to share our gifts with the world.

The Woman and the Tree. By Christie Flynn. Photo Canva

Welcome to today's post and blog I've been pondering over the week.

When Meditation Reveals Something Extraordinary

The workshop had just ended. Three hours of guided meditation, breathing exercises, and visualization—a culmination of a year's work, and perhaps everything I had worked so hard to do over my life was now a full circle moment.

It was a full year since a blog I had written caught the eye of a local non-profit located in the heart of Springdale, Arkansas.

I was gathering my papers, closing my computer, feeling both accomplished and a little sad that it was over. When I'd wondered if I had enough content to fill three hours, a quiet voice kept telling me: Trust that everything will work out, and you will find your flow. And it had.

I caught Jean out of the corner of my eye walking over to me from the front row.

"Christie, before I leave, I have to tell you what happened to me during your meditation."

A Connection That Transcended Time

Jean was petite, older than me by quite a few years, yet something about her presence felt timeless, almost child-like. She reached for both my hands, holding them softly yet firm.

When our eyes met, I felt a deepness to her spirit… I saw wonder there—pure curiosity—and my own curiosity was instantly piqued.

I had noticed Jean during the meditation. As I'd scanned the room during pauses, I'd watched people looking relaxed, some smiling as they travelled through their personal experiences. But Jean stood out. She'd worn the most beautiful smile, a state of bliss, almost Zen-like. Then I'd watched a few tears slowly stream down her cheek without wiping them away. It was breathtaking. I'd wondered: What is she seeing? What caused that tear?

She took a deep breath…

"Christie, I really have to tell you what happened to me in the guided visualization."

The Tree That Was a Friend

She began:

"When I was quite young, we lived on a property surrounded by these majestic trees. And there was this one tree I loved spending time with. I'd walk over to it almost every day. It was a beauty of a tree. I was always so excited that I'd get to be with this ONE TREE. It was a bit of a walk, and oh how I loved to walk to it, sit with it. I'd just hang out with this tree, and sometimes I'd hug it too."

I listened to Jean noting how she talked about this tree was so interesting. She didn't talk about it like it was a tree. She talked as if it was her friend.

The Transformation: Becoming the Tree

"As you took us through the meditation, Christie, I was right there—back at the house, at that time, as a young girl walking up to the tree. But it was different. I wasn't the little girl. I was the tree. I became the tree, Christie!

"I was so excited to see myself coming to visit with me. I saw my arms as the branches, the leaves reaching high into the sky, almost touching it. I could feel the light dance a magical dance, and the warmth of the sun too. It's as if I became everything all at once.

"Christie, I can't help but tell you how excited I was to see myself as the girl and as the tree too. And then—and then she sat with me, talked with me, and finally hugged me. I could feel her love. It was such a beautiful moment, and one I'll cherish.

"Thank you for listening. I just had to tell you and couldn't leave today without sharing this with you. Thank you, Christie. I wish you a beautiful rest of your time here and trip home to Ottawa."

The Courage to Show Up

As Jean turned and walked away, I paused and took in the moment.

There had been a lot of preparation leading up to this trip to Arkansas. I may have contemplated not going. Many around me suggested it wasn't a good time. But something told me it was the right time. Traveling to a new place, to meet new people, and talk about one of my favorite subjects—I had to go and see what could happen.

My heart was filled with pride. Not just pride in what I had accomplished, but pride in my own courage.

Why I'm Sharing This Story

I started this writing piece today with the intent to write something else entirely, but for this month, rather than a monthly November Oracle letter, I'm sharing 'Jean's story' instead. I hope it touches or lands with you in some way as a form of encouragement.

Because after all…

It's the stories that connect us, carry us through, and for a sense of hope.

What Trees Teach Us About Life

As an interesting after thought, ever since I was quite young, I've always looked at trees as human-like. I could see people in the trees—elegant as a ballerina, or statuesque, stoic and strong as a gladiator. I even remember a tree that stood at the edge of the forest near our home, broken off halfway oddly took on the shape of praying hands.

Keep this in mind: No two trees or leaves are alike (much like snowflakes—each one different) and just as no two journeys along a winding road be the same.

The Wisdom of Trees

Trees can teach us about life and the kind of character to lean on—how to weather the storms. They teach us about:

• Values from their roots - staying grounded in what matters

• Seasons of change from their leaves - embracing transformation

• Strength of community in a forest - the power of connection and united wisdom

  
  

They are potent symbols of spirituality and personal healing. Some call them silent teachers. And I'm here to offer words of encouragement, a reminder of the natural world that nurtures our nature.

And...

The tree, the forest, and nature around, knows us more than we think, especially what we're needing.

One Last Thought on Courage

COURAGE ISN'T JUST A DEFINING FACTOR IN LIFE…

It's how you reveal your true voice, how you stand in front of it all and become the version of yourself you'd be proud of while sharing your song for the world to hear.

Have you ever had a meditation experience that changed your perspective? Or a special connection with a tree or place in nature? I'd love to hear your story in the comments below.

Thank you for your presence here today.

Christie