A Naked Tree

"The heart is deceitful above all else and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"—Jeremiah 17:9

When you hike in the winter, it is easy to see trees with only naked branches remaining.

The lush leaves of midsummer have all disappeared, and only cold wind blows   through the empty tree branches.

It is said that some trees shed all their leaves before winter comes.

This is because photosynthesis is insufficient sunlight and sufficient nutrients can not be supplied.

The autumn leaves that people praise are also a sign that the tree is in a hurry to prepare for winter.

A naked tree is not embarrassed or impatient because it knows its true self, which is put on and taken off at the appointed time.

When white snow piles up on bare branches, they prepare to sprout with cold moisture.

They tear off as many pieces of their own flesh as leaves and send out buds into the world.

Don't we also need to shed ourselves from time to time?

 We should let go of greed, vanity, cowardice, regret and the illusion of our true selves.

Without the nakedness of trees, how can we see a blossoming spring and the summer greenery that ripens into fantastic autumn leaves?

A naked tree looks forward to its new clothes of spring.

We too will take off the layers of our illusions and resonate with the beautiful world.

I will climb the winter mountain and stand next to the bare tree.

As I take off my clothes, I will try to find what will be added to me.

Something greener, fresher, and more truthful.