Being with the Trees

Rooted like a tree. It’s a common phrase in Tai Chi and I use it often. Right now the trees are dressed fully — green, majestic, enjoying the lazy, hazy days of summer. Trees are always busy, doing something quietly and out of our sight. Until seasons start to change. Often it’s the trees that signal a significant change is about to happen. Let’s contemplate on a tree for a moment.

“A tree uses what comes its way to nurture itself. By sinking its roots deeply into the earth, by accepting the rain that flows toward it, by reaching out to the sun, the tree perfects its character and becomes great.

Look at its leaves, which shed the water, yet divert the life-giving liquid to its roots. Look at the strength of its limbs, which can span distances far greater than any of our own limbs could. Look at its sturdy trunk — could we stand the constantly changing seasons and be so strong? Look at its roots. How many of us are so stable?” —”Everyday Tao” by Deng Ming-Dao

We can learn a lot from a tree. When you’re out walking, having a picnic, sitting under a tree for shade, pay attention. Look at the tree, the shape of the leaves, the age marks on the bark, the colors of nature. Stand by the tree. Think about sprouting roots deep into the earth. The farther down you go, the more stability you will have standing on the ground. The tree can nourish you. The tree can teach important lessons. That tree can make your day because you are being one with nature.

(Being with the trees in Ann Arbor, Michigan)