Seeing The Forest Through The Trees

We’re driving through The Redwood Forest. I am awestruck by the trees that line the road and flow into the woods. Tree trunks stand solid and straight. Symmetrical layers of bark climb up towards sprouting branches, majestic umbrellas of living green. I imagine the depth of the roots and the mass of growth under the ground stabilizing each tree and providing strength for growth. It is spectacular.

We stop the car in a clearing and take off in different directions to explore. As I stroll, I absorb  the natural energy and I am awakened to my spiritual awareness. There is profundity in the life of a forest. It is deep, strong and simple.

Sometimes you have to look at the trees through the forest. Each individual tree has its own character and purpose. Some trees stand alone, majestically. The treetops reach towards the sky’s light. Others gather in groups, absorbing energy from each other. They depend on the same space and the same source of nutrients, and successfully share nature’s energy for survival. They don’t always grow as big, but they grow in depth and are strong. There are some trees that have fallen, not quite able to withstand the natural elements - young stumps that were never strong enough to survive, and older ones who have lived long quiet lives. All of them lie grounded in their place, replenishing earth and making room for others.

Sometimes seeing the forest through the trees is helpful. We often don’t realize what we have until we are able to see the bigger picture. I consider my dad who enjoyed the pleasures of planting small flowers in his garden. Occasionally he would plant a tree and marvel at its beauty and how it affected his landscape. I remember one day as we walked down a neighbouring street together, my dad tossed his head toward a beautiful home, exquisitely landscaped with many of the same plants that he had planted on his own property. “I wish I had a garden like that,” he said. “Dad… you do have a garden like that!” I answered him with a sly smile. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize the bounty of what we have.

Solving problems would be so much easier if we considered seeing the trees through the forest. Problems, often seeming insurmountable, become so much more manageable when we break it down to its many smaller parts. Sometimes recognizing the various types of trees in the forest, categorizing them according to the age and height and specific needs, might help us organize more efficiently and care for the forests more successfully. Prioritizing in life; separating what really matters for the moment, and what can wait until later simplifies decision making and helps us solve challenging issues more easily.

Trees, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. Some are tall and strong. Some are evergreen and thrive brilliantly even during freezing and snowy weather. Some conform obediently to their environment, shedding their leaves after changing colours and adapting to changes in climate. Others weaken considerably during change, often succumbing to the environment and becoming sick and dying. Attending to individual needs gives strength and fosters resiliency. Seeing each tree as part of a whole forest reinforces the ability for shared responsibility and combined strength. 

We create forests as we develop community, from individual and unique trees.Forests are rich diverse, sensual, beautiful communities that touch our souls and envelop us in their sacred space. Individual trees draw us closer and call to our specific yearning. Others beckon us closer and help us understand the energy of the forest where we are. Each of us exists in a unique, rich and complex place. Together we make up the great wholesome forest.