 by Mary Ellen Markant
Nature dictates that, eventually, all living things must die and leave this earth. Some can only exit inconspicuously, while others have the potential to make a statement reflecting emblems of their existence. Like varied and vibrant leaves bursting with color when their life cycles end, human departures can be uniquely memorable.  Thich Nhat Hanh
I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling. The leaf told me, “No. During the whole spring and summer I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree, and now much of me is in the tree. I am not limited by this form. I am also the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue nourish the tree. So I don’t worry at all. As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, ‘I will see you again very soon.”  Mary Ellen Markant
During this season of conspicuously embellished celebration, a moment of purposeful contemplation could potentially inspire ways to fill the hollow cavity of loss. Anyone who is not currently engulfed by searing pangs of separation due to a beloved companion’s recent death may be disinclined to read this article. But, chances are, many folks can recall times of acute grief when feelings of emptiness intensified amid holiday happenings. As the supposedly jubilant season unfolds, how can we reach out, touch individuals on the sidelines who are suffering, and embrace them and their loss in a spirit of empathic camaraderie? |
Accompanying One AnotherWe welcome your thoughts and items to share in this space with others on the journey. Contact us with submissions. Archives
February 2022
Categories |
RSS Feed
|
Bluestem Community NC is recognized as a 508c1a (faith-based nonprofit organization) by the IRS and State of North Carolina. Donations to Bluestem are tax exempt, and can be made by PayPal or by sending a check to: Bluestem 3710 Shannon Road, Box 51244, Durham, NC 27707. Bluestem is currently seeking 501c3 status and is being sponsored by The Green Burial Project.
|
|
Bluestem Community NC
3710 Shannon Road, Box 51244 Durham, NC 27707 919-451-9236 or 919-621-4661 info@bluestemcemetery.org Contact Us |