Tonight I was sifting through photographs of our family honeymoon, particularly our visit to see the Avenue of the Giants (Redwoods) in Northern California. As I re-lived the feelings of finally being able to experience their grandeur, I began to sit in wonder and send gratitude to the lungs of the Earth- Trees. May they continue to grow and thrive. May their roots be strong and deep and their seeds fertile. May we remember how intrinsically connected to them we are, sharing an ancient symbiosis. I send blessings to all who have learnt to listen to these gentle giants, to those who can feel their presence and ancient wisdom rustle through leaves and permeate through blossoms. To all who stop to take a moment and witness the majick and cycles of these beautiful beings with their kaleidoscopes of entrancing colour that have inspired the tongues of poets and pallets of many artists over time. Indeed- nature is the most amazing artist!
Fall Colour in California
When I enter a forest I am always taken away with the beauty that each individual tree exudes. From a small seed or sapling I can see potential and am reminded to be gentle with myself as I grow and unfurl. Go slow. I am reminded to nurture my own souls soil, that will support the seeds I sow for my greater dreaming. I often wonder what secrets the trees have been privy to. When I sit with the old ones, I wonder how many before me have done the same, in the same spot, in silent contemplation?
When I was a child I found solace in the branches. All too often I would escape and read books, nestled somewhere high above, supported by the thick strong arms I trusted so much. One of my favourite trees to climb is in St.Kilda Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. I named him Otis and he, yes he, is very majickal! I have met many beautiful people in the twisting branches and shade that Otis provides.
For some unknown reason, Paperbarks have always stirred something deep within my heart. One particular Paperbark tree will always have a special place in my heart . It grows out of the bank of the Ross River in Townsville, and offers deep, deep medicine if you are willing to listen!
My favourite book is The Folk and the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton- when I first read it I created a hideaway in the backyard under a thick shrub that grew near the back fence. I often wished I would find a majickal tree like that- full of wonderfully unique characters and far off places. I used to dream about dodging Mrs.Washalots laundry water as it cascaded down the branches, creating a slippery obstacle course! I am often reminded of how enigmatic trees are when I witness Auraura’s interaction with them. Even though they can sometimes tower over her, their presence is humble and they often feel like her Gentle Giant Guardians.
Auraura greets a Sequoia
One of my dreams is to plant a seed (someday soon) that will grow into a beautiful large tree. I will intone the seed with all my stories, songs and blessings. I will nurture it until I pass form this world where my remains will be returned to the Earth. I hope that my Great, Great, Great, Great Grandchildren will have access to this tree and sit under its protective branches, enjoy an abundance of fruit and read books, nestled high above. I hope those children learn to listen deeply and hear my stories from long ago, and know that I was thinking of them when this tree was only a seed, and that my bare hands tended the Earth with Love so that the seed could grow and blossom into another gentle giant.
Seed
“What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
So tonight I send blessings to the Trees and everything they provide us. I hold the vision that we can all learn to respect and protect them, preserving the majick for future generations!
Love is…
D xx
