Dancing with Trees
Soft Sway of a Breeze
Deep Green of Fluttering Leaves
Forest Magic Dance
(tree haiku)
There is such deep magic when we journey into the depth of a forest. Sitting under the expansive bough of a majestic tree, I feel calmer, held, sturdy. Trees speak to my heart…they remind me to grow deep roots, to hold steady on my earth walk.
Trees whisper to my being – sometimes i notice trees that have been struck down – decomposing they still contribute to the earth. I observe the beautiful earthy-orange mushrooms that spring up at their base and I know that even these trees contribute to life… give back to the earth.
There are times in life when we may be struck down – by grief, loss, illness, trauma – and yet we can still find ways to nourish life, nourish the life force within us, and to give back to life…i think of those days when something as simple as a radiant smile or a heart-felt hug saved me…
I know where I am by the trees my eyes naturally gravitate towards. There are days when I see only withered trees, leafless and so i think lifeless: days when my heart is torn asunder and my being feels stripped of its buoyancy. And yet, leaning back against the trunk of these trees who have surrendered to grace, i still feel a radiance, a deep wisdom that was anchored in the earth, and not lost.
My heart cries when I see trees at the side of the road, blown and beaten by the wind, seemingly worn and wearied…uncared for by humanity…i think of how the simple act of love, of gratitude makes all the difference…i feel saddened by a humanity that has forgotten how to love life, love nature through simple acts of acknowledgment and appreciation…and i am made aware of my own failure to constantly thank and acknowledge the source of life that gives birth to nature, to us, to all creation.
And then there are trees dotted with the glorious pink and white of spring blossoms…the spring of my heart…hope for a new birth, a new dawn, to put behind me the harsh cold barrenness of winter and to allow the blossoming of my being.
Summer trees dripping with fruit…the sweet, yummy deliciousness of love, play, sensuality, dreams coming into fruition, fullness of being, hearts overflowing with joy…children climbing to cram their mouths and fill their bellies with this abundant harvest…memories of youth…the rejuvenation of my ageless and infinite spirit
TREE MEDITATIONS: (preferably done in a forest or under the shade of your favorite tree): See your self as a tree, your heart the center of the trunk, roots growing down into the depths of the earth, branches reaching into the sky.
Breathe into the roots, imagining that you are drawing liquid nourihment from deep within the earth, and then breathe into the branches, drawing in the cosmic and solar waves, thick golden honey gifted by the universe.
Work with this tree image to know how to nourish the tree that is your inner being. Play with the images and messages your receive as you visualise your tree being and let this inspire you to take right action towards becoming a healthy happy vibrant tree…
Are you all branches and no roots? Are you needing more grounding and earth connection? Plant seedlings, garden, walk barefoot on the earth, eat root veggies…nourish your earth connection. Have your branches been pruned or is your tree withered? Do you need to give yourself time, love and nurturing to nourish new life….be patient and gentle with yourself…eat wholesome and hearty healing foods, and feed your spirit with simple things that give you joy…gardening, dancing, singing, playing, painting.
Are you a young sapling or bush…is your inner child needing more care and attention? More time for play, spontaneity, hugs, rolling in the mud, silly games, childhood dishes and time with friends.
Strong roots, and yet little up above? Do you need to give more time to your spiritual connection…meditate, eat more raw foods, find creative ways to inspire yourself.
Has your tree been cut down by illness and trauma…do you need to allow yourself to receive more, to be loved, nourished, nurtured and watered by others, knowing that eventually, with the right care, your roots will reach deep into the earth again, and will be nourished by the wellspring of life, and that slowly tentatively, buds will emerge which will soon be dancing leaves.
HONOURING THE SEASONS: Are you a winter, summer, spring or autumn tree – knowing this will help you to honour rather than resist your current context…
Autumn trees need to enjoy their vibrant leaves, while storing nourishment and making appropriate preparations for the winter ahead. A stark leafless winter tree needs to know that they are in the midst of winter harshness, to allow for hibernation, rest and introspection, knowing that summer will bring new joy, new gifts. This is also a time to nurture ideas and inspirations that can blossom in spring.
Spring trees should honor their gentle beauty and delicate blossoming, knowing that they will soon ripen into fullness of life. Nurture your projects and ideas, so that they can be strong manifestations of your desires.
A summer tree rich with fruits should be allowed to enjoy the sensual delights of life, experience play and joyfulness, freedom and spontaneity, be pregnant with life, bring into full and vibrant manifestation the seeds or ideas that were planted in other seasons.
