ROOT: Symbolically Speaking

Often, the word I choose to live with for the year shows up . . .  as a symbol. Actually, all of my words do that, at least a little bit.  It's just that some words in some years suggest a symbol more than others. With some words it just seems more . . . pronounced.  

With journey . . . it was maps.
With balance . . . it was seesaws.
With flow . . . it was a river.

And with root . . . it's been all about trees.

I mean, that's pretty on the nose . . . trees . . .  so not really surprising. But it works. It's easy, too, because I can just look out my windows and see them there, day in and day out. Standing tall. Swaying in the wind. Getting leaves. Losing leaves. Putting on a show with spring blossoms and fall color. Hosting birds. Providing shade. Tree stuff.

All while imagining. . . their extensive root systems underground.

I can't see it. 
(But I know it's there.)

Firm.
Stable.
Steady.
Grounding.
Nourishing.
Holding everything up.
ROOTS!

So . . . trees . . . are a perfect reminder for me of all the things I've learned and considered and thought about this year. (It's so nice when it works out that way.)

==

The trees know
That you can be
Still and grow
    At
    The
    Same
    Time.
            --- Chris McGeown

==

How about you? If you chose a word for the year, does it show up as a symbol for you?

And . . . it's time to start thinking about new words for a new year! Carolyn has started a thoughtful conversation with a number of word-choosing veterans (including moi) over on her blog. If you want some inspiration when it comes to choosing your word, check it out!

 

Comments

[Vera]

Love the quote from Chris McGeown - so true. Root has definitely been a good word for you Kym.

[Juliann]

After reading Braiding Sweetgrass, I have a new appreciation of roots and trees and how it all works together. Always enjoy reading your thoughts Kym

[Carole]

Trees are a perfect symbol for root. When my word was open, I often thought of doors and windows as symbolic of my word. It didn't really happen so much this year with create, though.

[Bonny]

I've been so neglectful of my word this year that I don't know if I'll choose one for next year. But I do like the symbol idea, and I almost always "see" roots when I look at trees. I love that snowy tree photo!

[Sarah]

I haven't seen many symbols of my word this year out in "the wild" (of the city neighborhood I live in, LOL), but I have a feeling that next year's word will be in my face a lot. I do love the image of the tree and your word for this year. It's just so versatile.

[kathy b]

I am trying to be sti11 and at the same time grow. It is not easy for me. But your reminder that it is va1id and a good thing is wonderfu1. Thanks

[kat]

Be still and grow... at the same time! That is so perfect in my day today, Kym!

Thank you for sharing that! (and I love how your word symbols are so wonderful!)

[Carolyn]

Hmm....I don't think I've ever had a word with a corresponding symbol. I wonder...is it my words? Or is it how I think?

[Jane]

I can't say that I have had a word with a symbol. Like Carolyn I wonder if that has to do with the way I think? On the other hand, most words are themselves a symbol of their meaning. In a way at least? Root is such an interesting concept. Be still and grow is a good way to learn.

[Chloe]

All the time we had to memorize Joyce Kimble ‘s poem back in 4th grade,I kept saying to myself, “yeah, yeah, yeah, but can I memorize this by Thursday.” Much, much later I got it. Alice in Wonderland starts under a tree. The oldest living thing, according to last Sunday’s 60 Minutes, is a tree. Little boys live in their tree house branches…and so on. Great metaphor!

[Margene]

Trees and roots seem to be the symbol of our diminishing planet. Trees whether fully leafed in spring or bare boned in winter are inspiring for me. You put how I feel about them into words and terms I can live by this year. Your word (no matter which you choose) and what you write through the year inspires me always.

[Mary]

oh I love what Margene wrote! also, have you read The Island of Missing Trees yet? There's a fig tree in that story that really resonates with this idea of roots. I haven't found symbols for my words ... not sure if it's because they haven't lent themselves to symbols, or I simply haven't looked for them ... thank you for another thoughtful post leaving me with something to ponder!