I went outside. The door slammed behind me.

August 16th, 2009

The tree, like the Divine, is forgiving of my stumbling efforts. This morning with all good intention, I rose early, showered, and began to prepare for the ritual. I lit the clay deepak and incense and took water. It was still dark, windy and although not raining, the ground is very wet. I went outside. The door slammed behind me. My pyjama pants dragged under my feet, the deepak blew out. I decided to go the easy way and not climb the stepping-stones but stay on the path below the tree. I walked in puddles, my pyjamas got wet, it was slimy and yuk.

I placed the incense, poured the water (which the tree has in abundance), said some quick words, looked up at the starry sky and the long, bony branches reaching for it, and felt the kindness of the tree, its endless patience and acceptance, and without any feeling of depth, I left.