The Linden Tree ~ Receiving a gift on a hot day

Photo Credit: Lisa Melara, Le Moyne College Campus

We have had a sequence of days that brought heat, sun, and high humidity recently. As Central New Yorkers we try hard not to complain about sunshine and warmth since many days of the year, we find ourselves blanketed with clouds, gray and of course, snow. However, we often do complain. It is easy to fall into the pattern of saying that the weather (and hence everything else) is "not quite right," and source of discomfort.

Recently, I found myself waiting in the hot sun for a colleague I was meeting. I was outside, near a parking lot thinking I hoped they arrived soon as it was becoming uncomfortable. Instead of abiding, I decided to move my position under a nearby tree to see if the shade might help.

Relief, breeze, and calm came over me. Suddenly, I found myself less concerned about whether they ran late. I was transported to a place of peace and began relishing this moment. As if this tidbit of time could not get better, I looked up.

Above me, was a picture frame formed by a long, wide, and reaching linden tree. They have unique leaves and present themselves differently than most trees. They are often described as “statuesque” and are renowned for their stunning foliage, heavy flowering, and “handsome” form. Personally, it is their leaves that always catch my eye and that reflect the light in a unique and lovely way.

This vision not only provided me with peace, but also a sacred moment. I did not miss the chance to use the few minutes to reflect on the gift, say a prayer and breathe. I did not look at my phone, check the time, or do anything productive. I was solely in the present moment. I have learned that even a few minutes of quiet, breathing, observing, feeling the ground and being aware of the moment can make an incredible difference. 

Those few moments felt like a long time and carried me through a busy morning interacting with others, moving, speaking, and thinking. That moment was a gift and life-giving. It was reinforcement of the idea that being present in the moment, pausing and stopping our minds and bodies has a transformational impact. I truly believe it made all that followed a little better and more special. I would like to believe it made me a bit more open and positive.

I am grateful for the gift of the linden tree. It did not ask anything of me but instead gave so much to me. It offered me a gift without asking anything in return. However, in return I was slightly altered and a cooler, better, calmer version of myself as I stepped from beyond its shade.

“In naming the plants who shower us with goodness, we recognize that these are gifts from our plant relatives, manifestations of their generosity, care, and creativity. When we speak of these not as things or products or commodities, but as gifts, the whole relationship changes. I can’t help but gaze at them, cupped like jewels in my hand, and breathe out my gratitude.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer, Serviceberry