Monday Mindfulness Minute: Don't compare Seasons

"Comparison is the thief of joy."

Any opportunity to walk outside is special because it provides opportunities for nature to remind us of important life lessons. One such lesson was strengthened last summer as I walked my dog and spotted this tree.

This tree admittedly caught my attention because of its contrasting appearance to the surrounding trees. Whereas the majority were lush with green leaves, this one donned a sparse amount of orange leaves. It was almost as if the tree somehow mistook the signs of a chilly morning for Fall and prematurely initiated the process of shedding its leaves.

Put yourself in the roots of that tree for a second. Can you imagine the inner turmoil we would likely feel if we lost our leaves and stood naked when everyone else was green and “beautiful”? What struck me most about the tree was that it was just fine as it was. It wasn't screaming in agony about being different. It wasn't writing blogs about how it was a poor and victimized tree. The tree was completely at peace with experiencing whatever season it found itself in.

So what if Fall seemed to come a little early? It wasn't going to let its differing appearance stop it from living.  

So what if we find ourselves in a different season from our friends and family? Before we immediately freak out and attempt to conform to those around us, let us remember this tree and its courage in being where it was. Peace cannot be found in comparison and will only be found in being fully present wherever we find ourselves. Live your season!