The life history of a tree !

These two Cycus revolute palms in the garden at the Madhepura Christian Hospital stand out because of their ornamental appearance. 

The Cycus or Sago palms are slow growing trees, living even upto 200 years in ideal conditions. 

The above two trees have well grown stems from which new shoots grew when the main stems were trimmed to allow lateral growth. Looking at the original stem and their circumferences, both trees have a history of fifty or more years. 

Normally trees as they age, grow to be tall and spread out their branches widely all around.  

The Cycus remains short and the cluster of leaves arise directly from the main stem unless pruned like the two trees above, when the branches develop which occasionally bifurcates. It is a tree that often remains unnoticed as it does not have the normal annual ritual of flowering and fruit bearing like most trees. 

I am fascinated by the history of these two trees, as I have had the history of 40 years of ASHIRVAD in my mind, during the last few days. ASHIRVAD enters its 41st year today. 

 I feel moved within me by an abundant feeling of givenness of a history that was well beyond what we envisaged or toiled for. 

The symbolism of quiet presence the Cycus trees convey, comes as a way of being, while ASHIRVAD continues to engage in its mission. 

I watched this Amazon delivery steward, coming to the hospital to deliver the goods packets. He travels through the day to deliver articles ordered. He is a carrier. He does not own any of the parcels. Yet he is the key person fulfilling all the orders placed with Amazon. He is the bridge between Amazon and the customers.

To be a bridge can be a significant role, although the delivery steward is not often remembered after the article arrived the destination.  

Yesterday, it occurred to me that the opportunity to be a bridge can be the mission of ASHIRVAD. 

A Husband and wife would need enablement to become co-parents, and for their formation, parenting practices and home making roles. 

I wish this call would lead us on to find our space for quiet presence and mindful responses to opportunities! 

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)