My absolute favorite flowering tree is the wondrous magnolia. Although there are over 200 species of magnolia trees, the gigantic and sweet smelling Texas-sized blooms are some of my favorite. In their ripeness, their grandiose petals grace the green, waxy looking leaves, putting on quite a show. They are among the oldest of trees; they say before bees. Their fossils date back millions of years.

This is my wish: To be cremated and my ashes be planted into a magnolia tree.

So…what is the beginning of a majestic magnolia? It starts with a seed. I had never actually seen a magnolia seed until I was out wandering in a neighborhood one day. I was stopped dead in my tracks as my eyes landed on this vibrant seed pod (photo at left). The pure white flowers of this particular magnolia tree had bright red seeds! Who knew!

I’ve always loved thinking about seeds as they contain so much potential when planted and nourished and nurtured. The seed is always true to itself. A magnolia seed will always produce a magnolia tree. A carrot seed will always produce a carrot. You get the picture. All living organisms originate from a living seed.

This means that you have an original seed. Have you ever wondered what your original seed looks like and are you living true to your seed of origin? I’m not talking about you being planted into your mother’s womb - I am talking about BEFORE that! Have I lost you? Who were you before that? This might take some deep thought and introspection and a little bit of open-mindedness. It might require you to go beyond the material world into the spiritual.

If you’re still with me, let’s try an exercise!

WANDERING MEDITATION (This can be done in two parts or all together):

1. This time of year, you will see many different kinds of seeds being released. Take a walk and see how many varieties of seeds you can discover. Take one in your hand and think about the potential of what that seed holds. Write about it. Describe it. Tell a story or write a poem. Draw a picture. Think about the life that is contained in one precious seed.

2. Close your eyes and think about the seed of YOU. You can create this seed in your imagination. What do you want this seed to look like? What shape is it? Does it have color? Does it have layers? Does it bear patterns? Next, draw it.

3. After you have drawn it, ask yourself, “Does my life bear any resemblance to this seed?” This seed is you. Are you living true to your original seed?

4. BREATHE. IMAGINE. DREAM. CREATE.

I hope you know that the seed of who you are is rare and lovely. May we help one another grow and may we see the beauty of each life that we encounter.

Always stay true to you. WANDER. WONDER. WILD.

With Love,

Lynna Foster