Devil's Club

How do you determine who gets to see the ‘real you’?

Many of us have walls and defences that protect the vulnerable and beautiful souls that we possess.

The same is true in nature.

We walked down the narrow path through the lush green forest. Tall cedars towered over us as we followed the sound of the trickling creek to find a small hole to fish.

‘Watch out for the Devil’s Club!” I yelled. “It’s nasty stuff that will hurt you if you get too close”.

It was everywhere. Some of the shrubs were taller than me with leaves as big as my torso and spines covering the entire stem.You can’t touch it without getting a handful of needle-like thorns in your hand.

However, what we thought was our enemy walking in, became our friend on the way out. We just had to change our approach and look beyond the facade.

When we patiently and cautiously navigated the Devils Club, not only did we not get poked or scratched, but we noticed something else–the beautiful berries at the heart of the plant.

You wouldn’t think that such a rugged, noxious plant could produce such a beautiful core.

When we treated it with respect, it revealed its softer, vulnerable side to us.

Some of us will never let our guard down. Others require patience to do so and there are those who first need assurance that they are not in danger.

When the circumstances are optimal, most of us are happy to let others in and see the beauty inside.

Tread lightly, be respectful and be curious. Beauty may reveal itself in the most unlikely places.

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Steve Braun

Call or Text: 778.932.1978

Email: steve@stevebraun.org

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About the Author: Steve currently resides in the sunny Okanagan in British Columbia Canada where he spends his free time camping at remote lakes chasing monster rainbow trout with a flyrod.