Trees of Life

 Walking in the woods on a crisp, sunny Autumn afternoon is one of the most sublime things a person can do, in my opinion. Old growth trees have a calm, soothing energy that has the power to restore the soul as we walk amongst them, breathing in the oxygen they release and feeling the network of their roots beneath our feet.They sing out the beauty and majesty of creation as they bless all of life in so many ways.

Hiking in the Gosnell Woods yesterday afternoon with my family, I sensed this truth as I felt all tension melt away and my heart open to the beauty all around us.On this golden autumn day, the woods became magical. We stood beneath a giant, 300 year old oak and looked up as the light filtered through the changing leaves.
We sensed  a hush all around; the trees bestowing their gift of peace on us.

 Trees do so much to sustain life on our planet: they take in carbon dioxide (the gas that contributes to global warming) and release oxygen. In fact, one tree produces enough oxygen to sustain four people. Their leaves, when they fall to the ground and decay, enrich the soil and encourage the growth of plants and mushrooms as well as provide shelter for small animals and insects.

Anyone who has walked in a forest knows that there is more to trees than what they do for the planet, however. Their special  energy, that has the power to restore us to our truest selves as we walk, is mystical. I recently read a fascinating book called, The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, in which the author describes his observations about how trees actually have social networks: they communicate through their roots, share nutrients and protect each other. It truly is fascinating to think about what amazing reflections of the Creator they are.

Trees behave as we should: sharing  resources with each other; caring for and protecting each other; communicating on a deep, spiritual level that embraces commonalities rather than differences; enriching the earth rather than destroying...

Oh, what a different world this would be if we all took a lesson from the trees!