Life Symbols

The tree. It has always been my life symbol. My spirit has always connected to trees more than anything else. How can you identify your life symbol? It’s easy. It’s whatever you are consistently drawn to throughout your life. It could be the ocean, or something specific like a starfish. It could be any insect like butterflies or dragonflies. It may be mountain tops or rivers or rocks. A life symbol is usually found in nature. You could be drawn to more than one life symbol, but usually your life symbol remains consistent and shows up throughout the many stages of your life. I’ll explain how I came to understand my life symbol.

Life symbols could very well be what has made us happy in childhood. I grew up living behind a park, or ravine as it’s often referred to. Two giant ancient willow trees was the backdrop to my outdoor childhood fun. I didn’t realize how much I dearly loved them until one day—for unknown reasons—the local municipality cut them down and replaced them with two young trees. I was devastated. To me they always seemed like forever lovers. Deep down, I was glad they died together. It almost felt like one could not survive without the other. I would watch children swing gleefully from their lowest branches that touched the grass beneath them. Children would swing back and forth over the creek that still holds a steady stream of water. The two willow trees were located just behind the bend of the rushing water. I also remember young lovers would sit under the gentle giants on lazy hot summer days. I would try to be discrete as I curiously watched them enjoy the shade. Every so often I still dream of those beauties. Those willow trees still live on in my memory.

On my honeymoon, I was drawn to an art piece that depicted two trees that seemed to secretly intertwine. It was the only art piece my husband and I have ever agreed upon to date. I could not get that art piece out of my head. Thankfully, before the end of our trip we agreed to purchase it and had it shipped to our home. I enjoy seeing it everyday.

I’ll admit, I am not a huge fan of having plants in my home. However, there is one that I am so emotionally attached to. My parents purchased a miniature ponytail palm tree for me soon after I got married, as a house warming present. I named her (yes she felt like a girl to me) after my firstborn niece who came into this world days before I received it. She has aged and has lost some of her lusciousness, but she still stands tall in all her miniature glory in my family room.

Most recently, I received a surprise gift from Italy from one of my most cherished aunt and uncle, who are now well into their later years in life. I could not believe the symbol on the stunning bracelet. A tree! To me it represents ancestral connections—and how deep family roots truly are—even from across the ocean. I shall wear it proudly!

These are just a few examples of my cherished life symbol, the tree. I look forward to hearing from you and what speaks to your soul. The reason behind life symbols may be somewhat of a mystery—but their very presence can bring such overwhelming mystical joy that the reason is almost inconsequential. It speaks to our soul and that’s all that matters.