Hermann Hesse
Trees are so amazing. Some are tall and strong while others are bent and gnarly. Two trees can be so closely entwined they appear to be one while one lonely tree may be sitting on a bluff with no other trees for miles. There are some trees who have funny things looking like mustaches hanging from them or those prickly things called gum balls or some with things looking like old banana peels.
The Weeping Willow tree had once been my favorite. I loved the unusual shape of it and the rustling of the branches. Even without leaves, it seemed to be a magical umbrella. Up north, the birch trees with their white bark stand incredibly straight and very tall, but the Weeping Birch is feminine and more lovely. I have been in a Bamboo Rain Forest, an Eucalyptus grove, and the plush garden from the movie Jurassic Park. Not far from here there is an acre dedicated to a particular kind of Pine tree. Standing in the middle of this acre one can hear the silence of a forest. The Banyan tree, however, may be one of the most interesting as one tree can spread itself over an entire block.
When a friend's body gave up the physical plain, we held a celebration of life for her. Each participant in the celebration had two ribbons loosely tied to their wrists. Then at a certain time, we were asked to individually tie each ribbon on a branch of a tree with a loving thought or wish for our friend now physically gone. When this was completed, the trees in her back yard were beautiful and we could feel her presence amongst us.
Most everywhere I have lived, I have had a designated favorite tree. Sometimes it is difficult to narrow it down to one and it is not something I consciously do. It is like a best friend, it grows deeper into you the longer time is spent together. I can lean against a tree and feel its energy and its presence. I can stare at a gnarly tree deciphering all of the strange images hidden within the bark. Sometimes, if I am very still, trees will whisper to me.
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