Yesterday I was walking through the forest and I knew that I needed to just stop and look up at the trees, to be with them a while.
It's an odd thing living in the forest because my walks there (usually) aren't intentional, but rather just to get from A to B. Like any well trodden path in our lives, the mundane aspect of its "everydayness" can make us forgetful or not pay attention to what is actually around us.
Well yesterday the trees called to me and as I stood there I felt them loving on me and talking to me. I don't care if someone labels me a crazy hippie because I just said that - that's my reality, I talk with the trees.
Likely many of us have heard of the Lorax, he who speaks for the trees in the Seussical narrative.
“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.
I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues.”
While it is increasingly important for us to stand up and speak for the trees, for their protection and furtherance, it's also gravely important that we let them speak to us.
I read an amazing post today by @riverflows, We Call it A Gum Tree, As If It Were Just a Thing, and I highly encourage each of you to hop over to her page and read it.
Trees not only speak to us, they also...
Shelter Us
Our log home in the woods.
Channel Water
Aquaduct built out of cedar on our land. Water flows through it to a water cistern.
Keep us Warm
Fire pit evokes a time of connection around the flames
Hold us up
Hammock in the woods
Create habitat for others
Standing dead, home of 🦉& 🐛
Beyond these things, however, there are intangible things that the trees offer us. A forester will look at trees and see dollar values, a form of live stock.
As humans, we often look at the natural world for how it can serve us. Yet when we attune ourselves to these other aspects of the natural world, we can see that we've actually been missing out on a whole part of our humanity.
What Do the Trees Whisper?
I can speak for myself and say that the trees remind me of the larger story of life, in a similar way that the stars do, but obviously more grounded! Trees remind me that our bodies and ourselves will once again return to be composted, to grow into something else in the great cycle.
They teach me more about my place in the family of things.
They tell me everything's going to be okay. That in fact it is okay!
They send energy to my body and heal me when I am having a rough day.
Trees do all of these things and more!
In the simplest of ways, taking a forest bath is one of the most healing and informative things we can do! Who among us doesn't noticeably "feel better" after a walk in the woods?
In increasingly complex (or has it always been this way for humans?) demands of this era, something as simple as forest bathing can indeed remind us who we are. Relaxation is one of the most needed things for today's humans and I truly believe a walk in the forest is key.
Thanks for taking a walk with me!
Consider a tree for a moment. As beautiful as trees are to look at, we don't see what goes on underground - as they grow roots. Trees must develop deep roots in order to grow strong and produce their beauty. But we don't see the roots. We just see and enjoy the beauty. In much the same way, what goes on inside of us is like the roots of a tree.
very poetic and true, @herbalmedicine, thanks! <3 very apt also for my life right now so i'll consider your words a divine encouragement haha ;)
i am soo happy i am not the only "weirdo" who feels and speaks with trees :) beautiful post!
A forest bath!!!! Love this term. A beautiful post and Im glad you were inspired by mine. Trees are the greatest healers and providers. The thought of early settlers felling the ceremonial trees here in Australia breaks me heart. I think of it every time we pass the 300 old redgum on the highway. Its been here longer than White Australia.
was So inspired by yours, as you know. thank you for your words and your reverence for the trees and their loss. it's important we humans are connected to that loss and mourn it, i believe. we would be a much greater civilization if the trees were still standing and that makes me feel sick to even write (because of how much we've lost...and maybe i should write an article on that- how much greater a civilization we'd be if the trees were still standing...), but i truly believe it's our work as wayshowers to be in touch with these emotions... for we see it, we know the loss..... XO
Hug a tree and give it thanks for life and give it love. Trees have amazing energy and they love sharing energy. They love it when we talk to them. I guess you can call me a crazy hippee. :-)
YES! love your words <3 thank you, you crazy hippee ;) lol
Thanks for sharing your forest bath. Love the pictures. Very nicely done.
There is a peacefulness and calmness in forests that is missing in so many man made environments. I need some time among the trees.
hehe you're welcome. my forest bath, love it. i may have to make a semi-regular series of my forest bathing escapades :D !!!
yes yes yes yes yes to your last two sentences !!!
Agree with this, sometimes getting in touch with the nature is what we need to not let the typical stress of our modern lives overwhelm us.
Would love to have a forest like that one near my home!
yes, indeed! the trees are our allies and comrades in this earth-dance! i wish you did too! i'm guessing there are lots of trees semi-close to your PNW home? i love that region :D
What a really lovely post!
When the woods to the north of us was mostly cut down, we discovered that the trees were supporting each other in their health. Many that were left on the perimeter have fallen since the woods were cut down 4 years ago, their symbiotic health system destroyed. @herbalmedicine was on the right track. There's a whole other world of life under the soil and trees nurture it.
thank you dear! mmmmm such great points .... thank you for sharing !
This post is absolutely beautiful in every way. You are sharing such an important message here. I think everyone should read this.
Just knowing that you feel this way ... agh. I truly needed to read this today. It seems like you often time your posts perfectly with what I am needing to hear. Your words are a balm on my hurting heart today.♥
I am heading over to read the post from @riverflows right now.
What a great presentation! I love that place even though I haven't been there yet. I love it how you made the water tank. Good job!