I believe trees talk to me. Maybe it’s all in my head, but does it matter? It’s not like I’m invoking some kind of demonic hierarchy. I just find them comforting.
The first time I hugged a tree was about 15 years ago in Corsica. I heard a very clear message. “Stay grounded”. Sound advice. These guys (the trees) dig in their roots before they grow upwards. I think we could learn a few things from them.
The other day when I was out walking in the woods with my son, and my mind started to go to that scary apocalyptic what’s-going-to-become-of-us-all narrative, I hugged a tree. I closed my eyes for a few minutes and just let myself settle. One thing you’ll never hear a tree say is, “Sorry, gotta go now.” They are definitely good listeners. They are heart whisperers.
I love the woods, and for me there seems to be a message about serenity and the innate wellness of nature. No matter how we might try to mess her up, she prevails. While we walk around thinking we’re in charge, with our false belief of thinking we can dominate her for our own ends, she’s always making her own comeback. She is not the enemy, but if we push her too hard, and she will defend her territory. Fact.
The harmony of humans and the planet, the harmony of humans and each other, the harmony of humans within themselves…these principles are unchanging. They are our only hope.