Conversations With Trees

Maple tree in my yard.

I’ve often pondered how our relationship with the Earth has changed since ancient times, when nature was considered a participant in daily life not just in utilitarian ways, but in ways of friendship and spirit. The wind moving through the leaves of trees carried messages. The trees themselves were considered wise and  plants were regarded as teachers as well as healers.
    Today the term “ecological self” is used by those seeking to understand and communicate the reality that humans are part of the intricate web of life and that every action we make reverberates throughout this web of relationships. Talking about this is easy. But feeling is where it’s at. Feeling the relationship and communicating with trees, rocks, animals, whatever you feel drawn to, awakens the ecological self which, once awakened, never truly goes back to sleep.
    For me, trees are a natural connection and over the years I’ve had many conversations with them. I’ve brought them my troubles and my joys knowing that whatever I bring will be accepted with no judgments. There’s no need for pretenses with trees. You are who you are. It’s a simple as that.
    Trees speak in different ways to different people -- and each tree is unique. Older trees are easier to “talk” with, at least for me, although sometimes a grove of trees, birch for example, will take on its own personality and communicate as if it was one tree. If you’re intrigued and want to open yourself to a unique and totally human experience, here are some suggestions:
    Believe it is possible - Without belief your heart and your inner ear will be blocked.
    Desire that it happen - The place in your body this is felt is your heart. Don’t put “stuff” on this feeling. Just let it be. Relax. What comes, comes.
    Let the love flow - Love is what connects us to each other and to the Earth. It’s the most powerful force in the Universe.
    Drop preconceived ideas - Don’t get it into your head that you will hear a voice with a deep message. You might. But it is more likely you will get a sense of something. You might feel peaceful or experience a sense of everything being in its place, a message of constancy over time, or of resilience. You might come away with a “knowing” you can’t explain -- it just is. Whatever your experience, accept it.
    Give thanks and honor your experience - Saying “thank you” gives back energy and completes the circle. Honor your experience by giving it a place in your life.
    Act - Find a way to integrate your experiences with your everyday living.
    Share your experience - Many people have had amazing experiences with nature (especially as children) that they don’t talk about because they don’t want others to think they’re weird or because they don’t have a language for their experience. Sharing our stories helps others remember theirs.
    Once you’ve had an experience that confirms for you that it is possible to participate in this way with nature, everything changes. Your perspective shifts and magic enters your life -- a strong, powerful healing magic we all very much need in these times.