A Lesson from Nature

by Thich Nhat Hanh -

I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling.... 

The leaf told me, "No. During the whole spring and summer I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree and now much of me is in the tree. 

I am not limited by this form. 

I am also the whole tree and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. So I don’t worry at all. As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, ‘I will see you again very soon.’"

That day there was a wind blowing and after a while, I saw the leaf leave the branch and float down to the soil, dancing joyfully because as it floated it saw itself already there in the tree. 

It was so happy. I bowed my head, knowing that I have a lot to learn from the leaf.

excerpt from "Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life"