Weekly Bread #208

Last week I posted the image of a tree that looked almost human – at least it called to mind a number of human postures. Was it dancing, weeping, walking, blessing the earth or bending a knee in prayer or protest? Your own emotions, I think, informed what you might have seen in that tree. But what about this one? Does it feel as close to human as the other one did?

This tree amazed me because it looks so completely chaotic, even blatantly so. Some of its branches had broken off from the wind and were lying, shattered, on the ground. Others were covered with thick moss-like lichen, and the bark was mottled or peeling in weird ways. The branches seemed to be growing every which way, with absolutely no idea which was was even up!

I have felt that way. Maybe you have too.

I actually think this tree looks more like the normal human condition than the one from last week. Sometimes we take a strong stance and it is clear what we are doing. “Striking a pose” as it goes. Most of the time, however, we are just muddling along. We do the best we can, wondering where the sunshine will come from next, or worrying that the wind and rain will bring us down, more than just to our knees. The thing about being on your knees, is that it is easier to rise.

I am not on my knees or dancing wildly, just muddling along this week. That’s just fine.

L’Chaim

Average weight this week was up .9 pounds for a total loss of 146.3