Out on a hike in the Sonora desert I was noticing the amazing variety of barrel cactus and thinking how much we humans are like them. So many different bodies and personalities! Oh and the stories they tell. Some are deeply scarred in ways that you can see, some in not such obvious ways.
You can see the years that were tough by twists, wrinkles, leaning. You can see the times they flourished. Some never got to full potential, some look perfect regardless of their size. Some are even more beautiful because of the added character of their “up and down” years. They are round, prickly and slow growing. Each one is unique and they all are just what they are, barrel cactus.
Each person is unique even though we are all human, I wonder why we try to be other than what we are somehow.
Okay, I’ve never really tried to be other than human, but I sure have gone through times of wishing I had larger breasts, a better memory, had better hearing, could still drive at night, and “if only I could be more or less _____.” I always wished I was more round, less prickly and slow growing.
Do you suppose those who have their roots in the earth wish they were different?
We have all had some tough years. Some people have tough lives, some more than others. Yet, learning to accept what is, and letting go of what is not, is the first step on the road to simply being authentically who we are.
The barrel cactus gives much to the other wildlife who come their way. And obviously they receive well or they would not be alive in their harsh environment. They naturally attract what they need and those they can benefit because they are clear about who/what they are. It works the same for humans. The more clear about who we are and are not, our needs and what we have, and do not have to offer, and the more accepting we are about that, the more we will attract those with whom we can have a mutually beneficial relationship.
For me it’s been a lot about opening my mind and my heart in gratitude for who I am and what I have, accepting and letting go – giving myself the opportunity to evolve. Staying focused on kindness, wholeness and the exploration of my roots in the Earth, I am finally comfortable in my own skin. In doing that, I’ve discovered more ease, forgiveness, compassion and love in life.
[original story written in 2010 while living in the Sonora desert]
