The Singing Oak

Day 1: The Singing Oak @ City Park

I'd pass by this tree many times-- but never really got close enough to hear the beautiful melodies the tree was making. Today, I went closer, then closer, and I started to hear the melodies chiming from the slight gust of wind. It was indescribable and it was drawing me in. It drew me into its center and I saw the beautiful windchimes flowing through the wind. It was amazing.. I've seen it from afar, but up close I was wrapped in its pentatonic melody -- a singing oak.


The timing was perfect, the sun was setting behind NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Art) -- the color of the descending sky was a ruby red mixed with a deep serene blue.. another indescribable moment.


With these two together, I lost myself in its beauty. I took a few pictures and recordings -- but within a few minutes -- I was leaning against the big aged oak -- eyes closed and slight tears of harmonious release. That is the only way that I can describe this moment.

As I opened my eyes, I saw the sky moving and the sun slowly falling --- I felt a sense of calm and comfort through the beauty of his masterpiece. Of course the windchimes were created by an artist by the name of Jim Hart -- but the sunset, the wind, the oak -- all of His Creations.. and He had wrapped me in this blanket of love through it all.

After meditation, I got up to leave and wondered how many steps it would take to step away from the tree --- and not hear the melodies. It was only a matter of 15 steps and the music was drowned out by the noise of the world. That in itself, was amazing.

I couldn't help but smile and tears were falling if it had been the most joyous moment of my life. And I could say, that moment was one of a kind...

It got me to think about how we perceive our relationships the same way as I approached the tree. Not about the physical attributes of the tree -- but the closer you get -- the more meaningful it may be. In our busy schedules and our fears -- we limit ourselves with the "closeness" of relationships, whether it be friends/significant others/etc. This experience helps me to get closer and not be afraid. Because our Father is the creator of us -- His creations -- and together in community -- in love -- how beautiful it could be.

...how hard we try to please our own little worlds, when we could be enjoying each other's singing oak trees.

Enjoy <3