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Know “That I’m One And Also Two”

GINKGO BILOBA

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

In my garden’s care and favor

From the East this tree’s leaf shows

Secret sense for us to savor

And uplifts the one who knows.

Is it but one being single

Which as same itself divides?

Are there two which choose to mingle

So that each as one now hides?

As the answer to such question

I have found a sense that’s true: 

Is it not my songs’ suggestion

That I’m one and also two?

Recently I came across an essay in The Marginalian about the ginkgo tree. The essay reflects on how the ginkgo leaf is not just one leaf, and yet it is not quite two, as it lives in the tension of both/and (my favorite word).

Our church campus is graced by rows of ginkgo trees lining the sidewalks as one enters. Another Fall season is upon us, and they will cast their golden fan-shaped leaves.  As one walks into the building, we are passing through nature that is inviting us to notice, pause, wonder.  That is quite a grounding practice for me, knowing, that the sum of the world’s parts are good and beautiful.  Also, being with life’s paradoxes, like the ginkgo leaf.

I find mindfulness meditation supports my intention to know “that I’m one and also two” if only for a moment.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mondays & Thursdays

12:15 – 12:45 pm

Room 407 @ Second Presbyterian Church

7700 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN  46260

or

Zoom! - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83998337582

Meeting ID: 839 9833 7582 - Password:  672891

Join others in Mindfulness Meditation on Mondays and Thursdays at 12:15 pm. Brief discussion, followed by silent practice and concluding with observations, comments or wonderings.

Take refuge in the present moment. Mindfulness Meditation is the opportunity to rest in Presence in a supportive environment with others.  No experience, fee or registration is necessary.

P. Scott Sweet, LCSW, LCAC

Executive Director

CenterPoint Counseling