Message From A Tree

Not the tree the message was from, but the very tree my father climbed when he was small. I saw it again a few years back, when I went to Oregon for a visit.

Today, I tried talking to a tree. First, I got present, then I listened to the tree, and the tree said that it liked the gentle wind. The gentle wind made it feel alive and connected. It also informed me that stronger winds were necessary to keep trees healthy. Adversity, like a strong wind, clears out dead wood and encourages new growth.

It seemed a storm might be coming, and the tree was happy, with a type of anticipation of getting something it needed, which was the rain. The tree also told me that it liked everything that was connected and knew that it was. It said to me that it didn’t mind being killed if it was still supporting life but objected to being used in other ways. It felt that humans often lack gratitude for all that the trees, plants and animals provide them with. They sense humans have a lot that they might have forgotten.

Trees really enjoy the company of other trees. They love the connection of sharing the wind, rain and sun. They know how to endure and how to thrive when given an opportunity. Soil holds them upright. Soil connects them. They deeply revere it. They said it was important to know and love the things that connect you and keep you upright.

I said thank you to the tree and wished it the rain it was anticipating. I will listen to a tree again. They are wise and full of wisdom lost to humankind because we think it ridiculous to talk with trees and rocks. But behind the wall of imagination lies the truth. The wind blows, the tree limb bows, and maybe this time, you look up and take note. Opportunity is on the breeze that waves the limb. Look up and listen.