What a beautiful and inspiring message. Your insight that “we are all traders” is a profound reflection, and hopefully when our time here is finished, we can say we’ve given a little more than we’ve taken in the transaction of life. Thank you for sharing your remarkable story with us.

An excellent reminder that our “aha” moments of insight are never final. We need to keep revisiting them if we want them to take root, grow and fully flourish within us.

Thank you for these gentle, joyful reminders. When life is at its most stressful and chaotic, it’s easy to forget these simple practices — and these are precisely the times when we need them most.

That’s a wonderful poem. Thank you so much for sharing it. It’s interesting that we both addressed many of the same things, including change, sacrifice, renewal. Leaves truly are magnificent teachers, aren’t they?

Thank you. It sounds like you are blessed with a very special path to explore on your walks. As you pointed out, every day can bring new surprises. It’s all in how we look at things. Enjoy your walks!

Thank you for sharing your additional insights, which are excellent. It’s remarkable how many things we can learn from leaves (and everything else in nature) if we look and listen deeply.

“All we need to do is be.” Well put. That simple wisdom is often hard to follow, but it’s so richly rewarding when we can achieve it.

We lived in the Bay Area for five years, so I know the profound beauty you’re experiencing. Thank you for your kind words.

Thank you for your reflection. Nature truly is a powerful healing force.

Priya, I’m delighted to hear that the article inspired you to create the beautiful leaf painting used in your profile picture. You’ve made my day. Thank you so much for sharing your artwork with us.

My sincerest thanks for your kind reply and your healing prayers. I was moved by the lines you quoted from that beautiful poem — they capture so nicely the deep connection between nature and the divine that I was hoping to convey. Peace and blessings to you.

Dusty, I truly loved the insight you shared: “We may not be evergreens, but our lessons and legacies can be.” Beautifully put. Thank you.

Thank you, Phyll. I echo your joyful toast: To Life!

Thank you. Your thoughts and your blessings are very much appreciated.

Karen, thank you for sharing your experience. I’m happy to hear you’re in remission, and I share your deep sense of gratitude for each day we’re given. ~ Paul

Andrew, you’ve put your finger on a very key point. We will all go through struggles in life — that’s inevitable. What makes a difference is how we perceive the situation and how we react. Thank you for your reflection.

Thank you. You are so right about the value of impermanence. We often tend to avoid thinking about it or we engage in denial. But as you point out, impermanence holds gifts if we remain open to receiving them.

I’m very grateful that the leaf and “The Little Flower” both found a place in your heart. Thank you for your kind words.

Thank you, Gwen. I like your river metaphor. It’s both humbling and inspiring to realize that we as individuals are so small — and yet intrinsically connected to something that is infinitely large and timeless.