It’s that time of year when I anxiously await spring. I’m noticing little signs here and there – patches of grass, birds playing in the yard and more sunlight. Gosh, more sunlight. I’m also noticing buckets on trees. People tapping their maples for syrup.
I’m intrigued by the process of tapping trees to harvest the sap. You need the right materials (including a tree that produces edible sap!) and environmental factors; adequate collection time and storage containers; and efficient processing – this type of delicate nature work is one you cannot approach haphazardly. It requires patience, attention and of course, intention.
It’s something I’ve wanted to do myself, but I’m hesitant to get started. Would I be able to get through the exterior of the tree? Would I be able to control the outpour? What if there’s spillage? So many questions with this natural activity and yet so completely foreign at the same time.
This reminds me of how difficult it is for some to access their own grief. If that exterior of protection is breached, what will become of all those painful emotions that have been hidden for so long? This fear of destabilization isn’t worth the risk.
An interesting fact about tapping is that, if done right, it doesn’t harm the tree. Additionally, sap is described as the energy of the tree. Much like the emotions we experience, this energy supports the tree’s growth and other elements around it. Emotions flow through us to give us information about the world, our immediate environment and even ourselves and helps us to respond accordingly. Yes, all emotions. Even the sad ones.
Tapping into grief and allowing it to flow as it needs is healthy for your own growth. So, if you’re open to it, you can get started by incorporating the following steps into your routine:
- Find the right supplies to support you, such as a journal, a coping plan and maybe even a mental health therapist.
- Cultivate a good environment where you feel safe and comfortable to process your grief.
- Give yourself time to feel your grief feelings. Grief is a journey not a race.
- Examine your grief closely– meaning what emotions are entangled in grief and what they are communicating to you.
- Practice self-compassion. Challenge any negative thoughts getting in the way.
- Honor your grief. Identify a healthy ritual to express your love/respect that remains.
I’m ready to enjoy all that spring brings. Although, there’s a great deal of work to be done to prepare for the warmer weather. And that’s ok, that work will be worth the time I’ve put into it. The grass will be green again, the birds will sing me awake in the morning (I’ll admit that’s a little annoying) and the sun will be shining longer. And that my friends will be the icing on the cake, the syrup on the pancake.