Dancing in the Wind

High atop a mountain stands an unremarkable tree. Though she is not one of the biggest trees, her strength defies her modest size, allowing her to withstand the relentless winds that sweep across the peaks. Though not overly abundant, her branches are adorned just enough to maintain a semblance of life. In her quiet existence, this tree has withstood much through the course of her young life and, in turn, has imparted profound wisdom. She has swiftly adapted to the rhythms of existence, grasping the unpredictable patterns of nature, and has learned to communicate intimately with the wind. When the storms descend—as they invariably do—she embraces them with grace, dancing amid the chaos.

Rigidity is not her ally in her struggle for survival; she learns the art of flexing and flowing, allowing her branches to sway and dance, fully embracing the wind's caress. This is a melody she has come to know well. When the surging seas crash violently against her steadfast mountain and the tumultuous wind hurls its relentless fury towards her, she continues to dance. In concession to the gale, her branches become buoyant, swaying with an elegant rhythm that reflects her deep-rooted resilience. Even as the howling wind reaches its crescendo, her trunk gives a gentle twist, a testament to her fortitude, as she allows every fiber of her being to blend with the tempestuous storm around her.

In the darker moments of my own life, when anxiety grips me tightly and the very foundations of my world seem to tremble and crumble beneath my feet, I summon this tree to the forefront of my consciousness. This gift of revelation, an insight borne from a moment of reflection during a session with my spiritual director, has become a beacon of hope. In a time of emotional turmoil, when uncertainty loomed large and the pressure of existence felt unbearable, my spiritual director encouraged me to focus on a specific image in that challenging moment. It was then that the image of this humble yet mighty tree ascended from the depths of my mind, overwhelming all other thoughts with its presence.

I have affectionately named her Selah, a Hebrew word that translates to a pause, often found interwoven through the Psalms. The term signifies a thoughtful interlude, an intentional beckoning to stop and listen. In my moments of overwhelming anguish, Selah embodies the vital pause; she calls upon me to halt my racing thoughts, to observe the world around me, and to attune my ears to the whispers of nature.

Her greatest gift is that of stillness—a mindful intermission that rises in melody, soaring high in pitch, as the wind sings through her resilient branches. Unlike many who might shatter under pressure, she exemplifies the power of bending and flowing. She showcases a profound act of courage and wisdom by completely immersing herself in the storm instead of resisting it. She places her trust in her roots, which delve deeply into the nurturing earth, providing her the necessary strength to endure. Rather than viewing the storm as an adversary to withstand, she perceives it as a dance—a gracious invitation to join in the movement of nature.

In our own tumultuous lives, where resistance often feels like our only option, we can draw inspiration from Selah. How can we, too, cultivate our moments of pause, allowing ourselves to step back and listen to the chorus of life as it crescendos in chaos? How can we learn to sway, embracing the challenges before us instead of anxiously holding on, fearing that any sign of movement might lead to our downfall? Instead of standing rigid, hoping to protect our fragile selves from the storms that threaten, we can choose to dance.

Trusting in our own roots, those foundational aspects of our lives, whether they be our values, our support systems, or our inner strength, will serve as anchors in turbulent times. When chaotic winds threaten to sweep us away, we can remind ourselves of the power of resilience that resides within us. Much like Selah, we have the ability to adapt and sway with the currents, allowing the winds of change to take us on a journey we may never have anticipated.

As we traverse this often unpredictable path of life, let us remember to honor our own Selah moments. In a world that never stops demanding our attention and where storms often rage unexpectedly, pausing can be an act of rebellion against the chaos that surrounds us. It permits us to find balance amid turmoil, to attune our hearts to the symphony of existence, and navigate the trials we face with grace.

So, in the face of uncertainty or sorrow, I invite you to connect with your own Selah. Embrace the thought of a tree that dances in the storm, whose branches sway and bend harmoniously with the tempest. Allow yourself the time to pause, reflect, and listen to not just the noise of the surrounding world, but to the whispers of your inner wisdom. Remember that in the grand orchestra of life, it is not merely about survival; it is about thriving despite the storm. Allow yourself to let go, trust in your roots, and perhaps discover the joy of dancing with the wind.