Flawed and Free

…When you move

I’m put to mind of all I wanna be

When you move

I could never define all that you are to me

So move me, baby

Shake the bough of a willow tree

You do it naturally

Move me, baby

-Hozier, from “Movement”

This morning I watched a man hug trees.

Just north of Gordon Beach, there is a part of the boardwalk that is lined with palm trees. Yesterday, I watched as a man went from tree to tree, hugging each one for about ten seconds. Surrounded by body builders and joggers and volleyball players and alterkakers playing chess, this man quietly hugged his trees.

What struck me most was how others responded to him. Either he was ignored because they were engaged in some beach-related activity, or they seemed curious, respectful, and kind. There were no looks expressing, “This guy is nuts!”

Later in his song, Hozier sings, When you move I can recall somethin’ that’s gone from me; when you move Honey, I’m put in awe of something’ so flawed and free. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I was put in awe of this man. There was something flawed and free in his tree-hugging.

And I felt inspired to dig deep within and rediscover parts of myself that felt gone or inhibited or stuck. Our perfectionism–even well-intentioned–can often disconnect us from our authentic selves. So maybe hugging trees isn’t your thing, but ask yourself what would make you feel flawed and free, and explore how to nurture that part of yourself.