The Tree

The tree, The River and the Canoe

In your garden you will feel the warmth of the golden sun
through your body. There is a very gentle breeze, and the sky
is a beautiful sapphire blue.
As you walk down your path you will come to a very old,
gnarled tree. His branches are laden with leaves and they
are moving gently in the light wind.
I want you to go to this tree and put your arms around the
trunk so that you can feel in yourself the strength and life
force of this tree. Feel the warmth of the earth coming up through
your feet and meeting the life force of the tree. As you do this, you
will
feel a love for the earth and nature. When you have finished hugging the
tree, say "Good-bye." Tell him that you will see him later on, but you
want to
go now to talk to the river. He is nodding his head in agreement and, if
you
look at his trunk, you will see a smile.
Off you go now, down to the river. The river is flowing very
peacefully, and
the water is so clear you can see right to the bottom. If you want, you
can paddle
your feet while you watch the golden fish swim by nibbling at their
dinner.
I can see lots of canoes on the river. One is coming ashore for you.
I can see
you getting in. You don't have to paddle the canoe unless you want to,
you can
just lie back and relax as the waves gently rock the boat. Feel the
warmth of
the sun on your body.
As you drift down the stream, you notice little bridges crossing from

one side to the other.
These bridges are arched over the water and they have red and
yellow balloons floating from the center. A few of these balloons have
fallen into the water. If you are quick, you could catch some
before they drift away. There are people on these bridges and they are
waving to you as you float past. Perhaps you may want to land your boat
and explore. You could cross one of these bridges to see what's on the
other
side, or you may prefer to keep on drifting.
I shall leave you now in your canoe...

PS Because I feel uncomfortable leaving a child
alone in meditation, I would always say....."But if you should need
me, reach out your hand and I am here. When you are finished, reach for
my hand and I will guide you home."

Submitted by Uni