Oak Catkins and Pollen Perspective
April 20, 2010 – 9:06 am
Oak Catkins are so named because they resemble cat's tails hanging from the trees
A few weeks ago I cursed the leaves that fell from the oak trees until a friend reminded me that until they fell spring would not arrive. Next I cursed the caterpillars who parachuted down to attack my tender vegetables until I witnessed countless birds scooping them up to feed their nestlings. This weekend I cursed the oak catkins that rained down to cover my corner of the world in yellow pollen. This was the hardest curse to reconcile since I suffer from allergies that bug out my eyes and fill my throat with froglike sounds.
Did you know that 1 pound of pure pollen is worth approximately $30,000.00?
But even this could be neutralized with thoughts of bumper crops of acorns and happy, bountiful bees that will pollinate our local farm crops. When seen in this light the inconvenience of allergies transforms into a harbinger of prosperity. Nothing has really changed except my perspective. I still sneeze and wheeze. I still get sore from raking up mounds of debris and spend hours working in the yard when I would much rather plant more colorful flowers or watch a movie or spend time with friends.
Spiritual maturity requires responsibility, an ability to respond maturely. If given a choice between seeing the good or dwelling on the bad, we can choose the good. Infectious positivity is a muscle that must be exercised every day all day long. It cannot be saved for major tragedies like financial hardship or disease or death. If every tragedy breeds opportunity then the key is learning how to see it in everyday little things so that when the big things happen your heart and your head are aligned and ready to use the positive muscles you have honed over time.
“Oh that we have eyes to see and ears to hear.”
Happy Day!
4 Responses to “Oak Catkins and Pollen Perspective”
OK That does it! Anybody who can put a positive spin on oak pollen definitely wins “The Most Positive Outlook” award. Of course, anyone who receives your POTD already knew that!
By Beth Smoak on Apr 20, 2010
What Beth Said! I’m sweeping mine up for the compost. Thanks for the picture. They are really soft underfoot as I discovered yesterday on my way to the compost heap. Thanks for the history of the word catkin, which also adorn birches, willows and others. It sent me to the dictionary where I found that word came into our language in the 1500′s. Veddy interesting and not stupid—loved “Laugh-in”. Jerry
By Jerry Weise on Apr 20, 2010
Everyone knows the Buddha hated oak pollen….
By Hartley on Apr 20, 2010
Trish, now wonder my eyes hurt, itch and in general just don’t feel too good. Betty B.
By Betty Black on Apr 21, 2010