Greetings in this New Year!
Over the holidays, my family and I ate our share of the most delicious oysters - Kumamoto from the west coast and Chebooktook from the Canadian east coast.
You may or may not prefer oysters and yet, these small creatures have a remarkable nature. Since Nature is a mirror for our own human nature, you know I’ve been reflecting on this.
Mind if I share a bit of 'oyster nature’ so you can join-in on the incredible journey?
The oyster’s rock-like exterior shell is formed around an exposed and vulnerable egg.
The tough shell is formed from calcium carbonate CaCO3 - a brilliant recipe comprised of carbon dioxide from air + water in the sea water.
Despite no arms or legs, oysters are not stagnant and move in their own way to thrive in their environment.
Oysters are bi-valves which means they circulate air and water through their container to flush out grit, toxins and other yuks.
When invaded by an outside force (commonly a gritty irritant or a worm), if they cannot flush it out with the usual way, they first contain it - they create a boundary!
Oysters contain the invader by creating a light shell around it called nacre (think of protein structure like an eggshell)
Layers and layers of nacre creates a pearl!
Although 1:10,000 oysters create a natural pearl, all pearls are formed through disruption and chaos.
The pearl’s beauty is formed as a result of insult or injury.
And guess what else…the pearl is formed from the same mineral material as the gnarly exterior shell.
Does this persistent resilience move you too? 🥹
To me, scars and pearls are synonymous. A reminder that both grit+grace are important aspects of this beautiful and often messy journey of life.
I invite you to reflect on the pearls of wisdom that you’ve beaded over the last year(s). String the new story of persistent resilience. And if you happen to be graced with pearl jewelry, maybe you wear it as a token of your inner grit layered with grace.
Sending love and pearls of gratitude in this new year.
Jen
BTW - you still may or may not eat oysters but I wouldn’t feel complete without sharing that oysters are a superfood, lol. Power-packed with vitamins, minerals and high-purine protein. An all-around amazing creature. As are you.