Conversation – 15

@71flowerchild,

Howdy in Texas! I hope your landscaping is coming along fine. 🙂 Enjoy this day
with Jewel and Little D. 🙂 I bet they are happy to be home. Enjoy your goodies
from your trip. Sending hugs from Poppy and me. 🙂

@shoelady60,

Good Afternoon in the Burgh. I hope you and Jake are kicking it on the Patio.
Have your sister arrived yet? I know you will be happy to see her. I am sure your mom
will too. 🙂 I am alright today. I have some errands to do but I am taking my time. 🙂

Just Relax.

Trees Shedding Their Bark

Like a tree, our growth depends upon our ability to soften, loosen, and shed defenses we no longer need.

Trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. They also grow wider with each passing year. As they do, they shed the bark that served to protect them but now is no longer big enough to contain them. In the same way, we create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and then, at a certain point, we outgrow them. If we don’t allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can’t expand to our full potential.

Trees need their protective bark to enable the delicate process of growth and renewal to unfold without threat. Likewise, we need our boundaries and defenses so that the more vulnerable parts of ourselves can safely heal and unfold. But our growth also depends upon our ability to soften, loosen, and shed boundaries and defenses we no longer need. It is often the case in life that structures we put in place to help us grow eventually become constricting.

Unlike a tree, we must consciously decide when it’s time to shed our bark and expand our boundaries, so we can move into our next ring of growth. Many spiritual teachers have suggested that our egos don’t disappear so much as they become large enough to hold more than just our small sense of self–the boundary of self widens to contain people and beings other than just “me.” Each time we shed a layer of defensiveness or ease up on a boundary that we no longer need, we metaphorically become bigger people. With this in mind, it is important that we take time to question our boundaries and defenses. While it is essential to set and honor the protective barriers we have put in place, it is equally important that we soften and release them when the time comes. In doing so, we create the space for our next phase of growth.

Cherie,

Enjoy the Ocean and Comic Con I know you are having a ball. Just keep doing what you
are doing. LOL!

This is for your trip on the Ocean. Enjoy! All Aboard! 🙂

@kittengirl,

Godspeed to you I hope you are resting and feeling much better. We will all be here when
you are ready. Just take good care of yourself. Prayers and hugs coming to you and the Kittens.

@taci,

Enjoy the day hiking/walking. The day is perfect in OZ and I fully intend to savor every bit
of it. Enjoy the view along the Trails. Here enjoy this too. 🙂

@bichon18,

Good Afternoon to you and Jerry. Yeah, packing time is near. I want you two to enjoy
yourselves. Little Ari can still text Poppy. 🙂 I hope you have had some sleep. I hope
the weather in Florida is great for your trip. 🙂

These are delish and low in calories enjoy. 🙂

@loaf,

Good Afternoon in the Rock and Roll City. I am waiting for the Specialist to call me and set
up an appt. Guess he is playing Golf. LOL!

I am ok. Sending well wishes to Kitten she had her surgery yesterday. Knock on wood.

Loaf enjoy this day with the KIDS. Bless their hearts. 🙂 What wonders will they do today?

The Kids will love this. 🙂

Jade of Yesteryear Teardrop Jade and Gemstone Earrings
669-147

Jade of Yesteryear Multi-Color Jade and CZ Dragon Bracelet
667-211

Jade of Yesteryear