Free Your Branches - Spatial awareness for your relationships and choices

Posted on November 08, 2023 by Christina Fanizzi, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

How do you know when you’re too close or not close enough in a given situation, or relationship? When do you know it’s time to “back off” or “lean in” a bit more? What about when you’re unsure of how to proceed with a decision or choice? What’s your barometer for measuring what is the best choice? It can be helpful to clear some space (both literally and figuratively) in order to move forward with clarity and confidence. How do you respond to the space around you (in relation to others as well as the physical space) and what about the space within you? There are many perspectives to help weigh in and consider what’s really needed or not. Do you look for the answers outside yourself or inside yourself?

A couple of years ago, while satisfying my requirements as a cooperator at my community co-op, mid-way through my task on the farm I was struck by what nature had revealed. It was an overcast day with the sky gently sprinkling drops of moisture and I had the task of cutting back weeds from a mid-sized elderberry tree. It had been neglected and overwrought by pesky weeds for several years. Bless the sweet nourishment and medicinal power of that tree. She was still blossoming flowers and persevering despite the overbearing invasive weeds! It was hard to appreciate her beauty while she was being suffocated. My task was to cut away the weeds so that the elderberry could once again be FREE to blossom more fully and grow without the weight, burden and impact of the weeds. Within 2 hours, after much reaching, stretching, ducking and cutting from every possible angle, we – my fellow cooperator and I, did it! The elderberry tree was liberated in the most delightful way. The breath of the wind nudging her leaves was a joy to behold. I could feel the expansiveness in her branches breathing freely. In releasing her from the restrictions of those nagging weeds, her shape revealed a potent power rediscovered, she was unbound. Her healing leaves and blossoms could continue to shine and nourish all those who had the pleasure of accessing her. Her innate healing was again available to all.

When I had begun the task of cutting away the branches, I felt akin to both the elderberry and the weeds… When have I been the one who was smothered or when have I done the smothering? How does this relate to all of us? As humans we all have our inclinations toward being a healing elderberry but perhaps “stuck” in some way or being a pesky weed, nagging and tugging in ways that might not support another or ourselves. We all have the capability to nourish or smother… what’s your default?

How do you keep your medicine – the stuff that nourishes and supports you? What kind of circumstances need to be in place in order for you to thrive? Are there any situations or people in your life that hold you back from your freedom? Or do you hold yourself back? Consider these questions if you’re moving through some challenging situations. We live in relationship with ourselves, each other and the world around us. Taking time to honor your own needs while creating space for this kind of attention can change your life.

If you’re feeling restricted or held back in ways that are thwarting your fullest expression and would like support to disentangle yourself… reach out! It’s helpful to have guidance in knowing what and when to cut back whatever no longer serves you and your blossoming.

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