Sometimes, when I close the day by being still, I realize there has been a persistent theme defining the day.

Roots

Today has been about roots. I have talked about roots (literally and symbolically), I have consumed roots, I have tugged at roots, I have reflected and commented on my professional roots. I have spoken with friends who are rooted to my soul, I have meditated with the image of roots permeating my mind, reaching down deep into my soul. I have been given the gift of having root-taking described to me, provided to me as a spiritual symbol of the self-nurturing that I recognize is essential to my journey at this juncture. Yes, it has been the day of the root. As I sat tonight, drinking up the day into my soul, I had to smirk as I realized the only thing I didn’t do was trip over a root (which it would be quite typical of me to do). Maybe that was my little gift from the Universe: making the theme so obvious that my often over-thinking, lost-in-thought self could be spared the familiar stubbed toe or bruised knee. Today, I got the point without the scar.

So, I thought I would take a moment to recognize some of the roots that I will be spending some time with this winter:

The roots of my childhood wonder, re-experiencing the core moments of discovering that I was made with divine intention exactly as I am, just as wonderful as the other divine souls and works of nature that surround me.

The roots of my close, abiding friendships with amazing people, reconnecting and celebrating how we continue to sustain each other.

The historical roots of social work, the profession I have practiced and taught for 20 years, through re-reading the original writings of Jane Addams and Mary Richmond.

The roots of my family tree, as I pray with renewed intention for those whose lives are closely linked with mine, whether or not they are known to me or close to me (suffice it for the sake of my blog to say, this particular root is as deeply complex as it is beautifully simple).

The roots of my faith journey, as I continue to reflect on the moments of light and growth along the path.

Roots I will consume: my favorite root vegetables of parsnips, carrots, turnips, rutabaga which I will toss with my garden herbs to make wonderful, savory winter meals; also, a shout out to ginger root (for eating, and also in admiration of my now seven year old Chinese ginger plant that I noticed today has spread its roots and sprouted lovely waxy, variegated leaves poking through the soil across my shade garden).

The roots of my geography: sketching from photos recently captured on a liminal winter solstice morning in my little upstate New York home town (pictured below), and reflecting on how my core work-life philosophy has been shaped by proximity to the Roycrofters and the arts and crafts movement.

These roots will be my winter companions, sustaining and nourishing me as I prepare for wherever the journey leads me next.

Yes, I am grateful tonight for roots.