It all started one bright fall day when my daughter and I picked up our cameras and decided to take a photo shoot of the maple tree in our front yard. The lighting was magnificent and the leaves, hue by hue were transforming into an autumnal wonderland. We were memorized. Abi, the daring and adventurous one, climbed the tree while I remained surefooted on the ground. Photo after photo was taken, filters added, frames changed, cropping applied until we had taken a simple, elegant leaf and created new art.
As all things go in nature, there is a constant stream of study change and as I fast forward from the magical moment with Abi to today, I find the maple tree in the front yard completely transformed. Changed. Brighter burgundy, deeper crimson, vibrant orange, brighter yellow; it's astonishing. I walked around the tree, sans Abi, this morning, trying to capture just the right amount of morning light as it glowed on the leaves. While this process was ok, I just wasn't satisfied.
Curious, I climbed into the maple tree-to see it's full glory, to embrace it's totality, to experience a new way of looking, of seeing, and I was humbled, awed. It's brighter up here, it's more full of light, it's layered with texture and grain, smooth elegance and staccato filled movement. It's gorgeous! And I would have completely missed it had I not be watching and wondering, observing and learning from my daughter.
What are you facing? What unsolvable problem is wreaking you today? How can you see things in a new way? Climb a tree! Consider another perspective. Walk in someone else's shoes. Take up the burden of another. Try to understand in a new way. It's worth the added effort and the momentary detour.
