Have you ever spent some time sitting with trees? Not only sitting by a tree, but rather being inclusive of the trees. This changes the experience as if you were with them in a conversation, albeit a quiet conversation. They are living, and therefore they can bring a unique perspective to your awareness.
It started off as a beautiful day for a walk in the park, but I really wanted to go deeper in my experience. Instead of focusing on my walk, I decided to spend more time sitting with trees. Why not? I am in a different mood, curious about their experiences.
As I sit, I wonder. If trees could communicate, what would they say? Would they speak of all the beauty of life?
Certainly, they have seen so much over their time. Decades, even longer, for some of these old trees.
The live oaks with their huge trunks and stretched limbs. The tall, strong white oaks. Trees that shed bark, some with thick bark. Some with small leaves, and others with needles. Some deciduous, and others evergreen.
They are so beautiful with all their variety. But today I was not thinking so much about the types of trees as I was thinking about what it was like to be sitting with a tree.
Think of it as building awareness of my surroundings. With awareness, the world comes to you. You see what is there, become more aware of what you are seeing. In this case, it meant thinking about what it means to see something from the perspective of trees.
As the trees grow
During the time they have grown, their roots have kept the soil in place and provided a haven for many different animals, plants, and other life.
I often like to think about the roots spreading underneath for a feeling of being grounded. Their leaf-filled branches grow, nurturing. With its roots firmly in the ground, the tree continues growing upward with unlimited potential to reach for the sky.
Trees have amazing potential for all that they do. They provide shelter as a stopping place for birds that migrate. They provide homes for many animals to raise their families. For other animals, the trees might offer protection from a storm.
Trees provide shade during hot days. Some are sources of food.
My experience of sitting with trees
They do more than give. They have a presence.
So much life exists in the presence of trees. So much has happened. So much history and experience.
One might think of peace and tranquility when sitting by trees. Today, I am thinking of all the joy and laughter. Fun experiences of those who have come before me to this place.
As I sit with two old oaks, I am reminded of late summer memories in the park. All the joy and laughter of the kids as they pass by the trees. Riding bicycles with family. Two siblings challenge one another in a race to see who is fastest.
Did they stop for a rest by these two old oaks? How many kids have tried to climb these magnificent trees?
In the near distance are the ball fields. I can imagine the ball games with crowds cheering. A batter swings and hits a home run! The crowd goes wild!
Also, nearby is an old, renovated barn. A remnant of when the land was farmed. In the memory of these trees is the excitement of new equipment and abundant crops.
The rolling hills that were used for pasture, now these hills are used for many activities. There are paths for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Open fields for frisbee golf.
Memories of children enjoying themselves on the swings in the playground. Delightful screams of kids splashing in the community pool.
So many memories with joy and laughter!
Increased awareness
The more I become aware of my surroundings while sitting with trees, the more I am in the present moment. Not thinking about the past or the future, but about what is going on now, in the present.
I watch a spider crawling up a thread in the tree. Underneath is the water with dragonflies searching for insects. Fish jump. A grasshopper on the nearby bank.
Do the trees see and hear the happiness and joy of kids catching their first fish? Are they listening to people sharing exciting news as they walk along the paths?
With awareness comes more curiosity. I am present in an amazing world that I want to know so much about.
Did you know that by sitting with trees, you can learn so much?
Be aware of where you place your attention. Learn from what you can. Your knowledge and experience are powerful. The more you learn, the better choices you will make to do things that bring you happiness and joy.
