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“Like a tree I stand, reaching for the light, gaining strength from the darkness at my roots. My body is twisted by the storms of life, yet in my uniqueness I am beautiful.”

With a spiritual practice, we’re often asked to go deeper. If I fight with my spouse or former spouse, if I am unhappy with my job, or if I wake up angry and stressed, what is being asked of me? What inner changes do I need to make? Outer changes come when the inner work is done. But how do we get there?

Trees are a universal symbol for life force. Shamans often travel the roots in a trance state to reach the spirit realms. It is there that they seek answers.

Looking deeper at issues is hard work. It requires questioning old patterns, going beyond judgments, and aligning with inner guidance. Meditation, time alone in the sun, and inspirational readings help me along. Meditation slows me down. Time alone allows for better self-reflection. And inspirational readings show me where I’d like to be. My readings today reminded me to make a gratitude list and extend love.

Making an inner shift requires intentionality. Each day you have to decide where you will place your attention. This morning, I had to say: ‘Today, I will set aside this grievance and focus on what is important. For me, my spiritual practice and my writing are important. Both bring me enormous happiness. Another shift I made today was, ‘I will think positively about my daughters and how fortunate I am to have them in my life–and not simply buy into the song and dance about the teenage years.’ The teenage years certainly are challenging for parents, but it also is a difficult time for the youth. Remember when you were young? Those years were extremely painful in my life. It also helps when I remember that our time together is limited, with no guarantees of tomorrow. I believe my daughters need more love and encouragement, despite the aggravations we sometimes encounter.

Our deepest roots always lead us back to love. That is our strength and our beauty.

In joy and gratitude,

Diana