07/01/2021
I just finished listening to the audio version of the book The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben and I am blown away!! Trees are social beings — just like us! They live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers like insect infestations. Their intelligence and ways of life inspire me, but it begs the question: how does the human life compare to that of a tree? Are our societies set up to help us create strong collective communities? Trees act as a super organism together, just like bees. The concept is that the whole forest is greater and stronger than just one single standing tree. The trees each do their part to create a forest microclimate. They share the health of the soil and transfer nutrients through their roots and communicate through fungi. There is a phenomenon that no tree will take more than what it needs, and when sick trees are in need of help, the strong are able to give them more nutrients. It’s a harmonious way of life, and it makes me wonder what our society could look like if we created healthy communities and set the precedent to care for each other as much as trees do. What would happen if our society helped the poor, disabled, and the elderly and the rich took less. If we mirror the ways of the forest, I imagine we would be a more compassionate society caring for all humans. Remember- not a single tree takes more than what it needs in a forest ecosystem.
I hope this inspires you to connect to the trees ((and nature!!)) and find resonation with the beauty of her ways. They are deeply inspirational if we find the time to open our eyes and look further. . .
Beautiful image by