Our Unfolding Self

The spiral we see in pine cones is one of Mother Nature’s many metaphorical gifts: a tiny nugget holding all that has come before, as well as the genetic potential for a towering tree or a vibrant forest, all packed into its’ petite but intricate design. Its’ neither an accident nor a mistake, its unique shape not random, but rather protecting the treasure inside.

It is part of larger cycles: life, death, life; expansion and contraction; spiralling outward, spiralling inward. At times its’ seeds are cultivated by fire or flood, sending out roots in surprising places, growing amidst the most daunting environments. It’s a powerful symbol of our potential as well as our resilience, our unfolding self.

At times in therapy people will talk of vicious cycles or feeling like they are in the same place as they were three weeks, months, years or decades ago. I find the spiral a helpful symbol in helping us notice, “Yes, this feels familiar, I’ve seen a perspective or angle like this before” while also recognizing, “And yet, I’m not in the same spot, I have weathered some storms and grown since then”. We are always unfolding, and there is beauty to be found in this expansion and contraction, this movement outward and inward. If we can approach these patterns with curiosity and kindness, we create a rich environment for our seeds to grow into their full expression and form.

After all, Mother Nature is the original artist, inspiring all others after Her.