Every human being should plant a tree … and learn from it
I already planted and tended some trees. I don’t have one at the moment. However, in this quarantine period, I feel privileged to be able to enjoy a tree daily from my window, blooming little by little, coloring the landscape in the middle of the city’s buildings. Trees are important for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Having a view of trees and the sounds of birds gives us positive energy and improves our performance.
In the world, there are 60,065 species of trees cataloged, according to the organization Botanical Gardens Conservation International, which represents 500 botanical gardens in 100 countries.
The tree I chose …
It’s a pink ipe. The pink ipe (Handroanthus heptaphyllu) is a native South American tree, today distributed from Mexico to Argentina. It can reach 35 meters! Its flowers last from May to August, are cut into a bell shape. Its wood is precious, sometimes even traded as ‘brazilwood’. It is a famous species, used as a medicine in alternative medicine, as it contains potassium, calcium, iron, barium, strontium, and iodine.
And it was in one of my meditations in the morning that I decided, during the beginning of its flowering, to monitor its growth daily. The following photos show the result of this 21-day journey. And watching it, I felt an immense desire to research and gather teachings and lessons from this beautiful and sacred being of nature.
Trees in many cultures are loaded with symbolism and religiosity.
Mayan culture, for example, has always been represented through the World Tree. A symbol of the creation and organization of the day, night, planets, Sun, Moon, and Universe.
For Christians, there were two important trees planted in the Garden of Eden and are described in Genesis of the Bible. The Tree of Life represents wisdom and salvation. And the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which held the “understanding of everything”.
There is also a Tree of Life in Kabbalah. It represents the various levels of understanding of God. It is a diagram used in various mystical traditions, composed of 10 knots, symbolizing different archetypes.
The nodes represent aspects of existence, God, and the human psyche. And they are also associated with deities, angels, heavenly bodies, values, colors, numbers, and all their combinations.
Scholars believe that the concept of the tree of life dates back to Assyria in the 9th century BC until the Medieval Age, in the Book of Bahir and the Book of Zohar.
Tree of Life is found in several representations with the most diverse names in the most diverse places and periods of human civilization, whether in Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, India, Scandinavia, Meso-America, China, and Indonesia.
In almost all cases, it is related to the divine, spirituality, and/or the psyche.
Trees, forests, nature have always been symbols of life and protection in Celtic civilization, for the monks of Great Britain, Ireland, and Gaul, and their culture was developed around this.
Those familiar with the Buddha’s biography know that all the major events in his life took place under trees. He was born under a tree; as a young man, he had his first experience of deep meditation in the shade of an apple tree. Years later, its illumination occurred under a fig tree (called bodhi tree), while at the end of its life it reached parinirvana lying between two powerful trees.
Why trees? Looking deeply at the original biographies recorded in Sanskrit and Pali, the trees in these episodes play a key role in the plot. They incorporate a fully conscious female presence — which is interconnected to the events in question and deeply invested in the fate of Sidarta Gautama, to become a Buddha. Prescient and welcoming, these tree-goddesses are expressions of the sacred feminine of the natural world.
In India, with a rich and colorful culture, thousands of years of history, and many religions intertwined, sacred trees occupy a respected and, even today, idolized ceremonial position.
Peepul: The tree of enlightenment. It belongs to the fig tree family, with curiously heart-shaped leaves. Somewhat mysteriously, these leaves rustle even when there is no breeze to move them, which is attributed to their elongated stem and broad leaf structure. This tree, also known as “Ashvatta”, is the most adored in the country. Lord Krishna is identified with a peepul in the sacred text Bhagavad Gita. And he declares: “Of all the trees, I am the holy fig”. Besides, Hindus associate the roots of the tree with God Brahma, the creator of the universe, the trunk with Vishnu (the protecting god), and the leaves, with Lord Shiva (the destroyer).
Banyan: Tree of Life — is another type of fig tree, with broad and shiny leaves and trunks, which appear to be composed of a labyrinth of roots. It grows as a host plant, usually killing the original tree, earning the nickname “strangler of fig trees”. It usually represents the Trimūrti, the three lords of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is used in metaphorical references in the ancient Vedic scriptures. With its ever-expanding roots and branches, it symbolizes life and fertility and, consequently, is adored by those who wish to have children.
Bael: It is a medicinal and sacred tree — slender and aromatic, it produces sweet, yellow-green fruit. All its parts are used for different healing purposes — roots, leaves, and fruits — and have proven to be effective in combating different bacteria. It is known as “Sivadruma” by Hindus, and the leaves are often offered to Shiva. The Baels have trifoliate leaves, that is, a leaf structure in three parts, symbolizing Shiva’s trident.
The oldest tree in the world.
Fossils of what is considered the oldest tree in the world have been discovered in New York’s Schoharie County, are samples of the species Wattieza, a species of a giant palm tree, estimated to be at least 380 million years old.
In Brazil, the Serra da Capivara National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a historical heritage due to its hundreds of cave paintings. In one of them, there is a figure similar to a tree so it is recognized as the oldest representation of a tree made by man. The exact date of these paintings is a mystery, although some have been dated by scientists to be more than 25,000 years old.
We can find thousands of writings, short stories, poems, poetry in several languages.
Examples that were written by some of the most famous poets in all literature, examples from authors who seek their inspiration in Nature.
They range from writings that describe symbolic gardens to poems about very specific trees, poems about trees that stimulate thoughts, about mortality, the brevity of life, and teachings of nature.
It’s where a thousand places
Life comes, eternal,
Although its source is a
It brings thousands of doubles
Innumerable names serve their form
And without contour, it contains all virtue
Whoever seeks it finds its own.
Why cling to one way or another?
You will lose the tree to find misfortune
Cross the name and take a closer look at the source
The source will show what you are looking for
Leave the shape behind.
The illustrated Rumi — page 86
This picture reminded me of something I had already learned a few years ago.
The Japanese language is so beautiful and unique that only it has a word to explain this effect of sunlight passing through the leaves, infiltrating through the trees:
Komorebi [木 漏 れ 日] word that joins the ideogram tree [木] brightness [漏 れ る] and sun [日] to describe this phenomenon.
The tree in psychology
The Karl Koch Tree Test is an interesting projective test that assesses personality and the emotional universe. It is easy to apply, and very common for children. However, it is also a very fun self-analysis tool to get to know us a little better. The test, also known as the Baum Test, was developed in the 1950s by psychologist Karl Charles Koch and is still used today. It can be administered quickly to a large number of people and offers interesting information about emotions.
As a curiosity, Dr. Koch chose this figure for his diagnostic test because of the symbolism of the trees. In all cultures, in all countries, trees are a mythological and emblematic figure that intertwines with human beings. Trying to capture them, trying to draw them is almost like taking everything we carry inside, from our unconscious.
It is interesting to know, as a recent study reveals, that the Baum test has been very effective in diagnosing cognitive impairments and even in the onset of senile dementia. The estimated time varies between 10 minutes and half an hour, depending on the needs of each person. For the analysis, one must observe some important elements that will lead to the result.
In the cinema, trees have always been portrayed, especially in breathtaking scenes filmed outdoors, with the inspiration of real nature.
I believe that the film that most portrayed, so far, teachings about a tree, even in a comedy tone with actor Eddie Murphy, was “A thousand words”, a thousand words in Portuguese. As described in his synopsis, after cheating on a deal, the actor discovers a tree in his garden. And he realizes that, with each new word he utters, a leaf falls:
Trees and forests appear in all forms of art, including music. Perhaps because we would like to be like them: strong, robust, capable of growing and maturing over the seasons. Or because they are a symbol of longevity and wisdom. Or even more: Forests have always been considered sacred places and sanctuaries that harbor the strength of nature. Here are examples dedicated to the lungs of the planet: Radiohead — Fake Plastic Trees; Chet Baker — I Talk To the Trees; Agnes Obel — Under Giant Trees; The Cure — A Forest; Jack Johnson — Breakdown; Tom Petty — House In The Woods; Paul McCartney — Little Willow; Daniel Luppi feat. Norah Jones — Season’s Trees; John Butler Trio — Trees.
May 15th, in the United States, “Hug a Tree Day” is celebrated, the national day of hugging a tree!
The idea that human beings are intimately connected to Earth has persisted throughout human history. This connection was described more recently by the biogeographer E.O. Wilson in his book, Biophilia. Wilson points out that humans naturally enjoy being around other living beings. This theory helps to explain why we prefer green to urban scenes, why pet owners are happier and healthier, and possibly why we are so obsessed with cute animals.
The ‘disconnection from nature’ was established in 2005 by the American writer Richard Louv in his book The Last Child in the Woods. Louv coined the term “nature-deficit disorder”, which means that modern humans have disconnected from nature through our daily activities and this disconnect has had negative consequences in terms of mental and physical health. The proof of this hypothesis so far is in studies that show how people with more current illnesses, like ADHD, anxiety, or depression, feel better when exposed to nature.
Vṛkṣāsana, the Tree posture in yoga — (pronounced rik-SHAHS-uh-nah and written in Sanskrit वृक्षासन) is a posture of balance. Physicist. Mental. Emotional. Spiritual. It is one of the first basic practices of yoga. Although it may seem easy at first, the combination of strength, balance, and flexibility needed can take a lot of practice.
Trees are patient creatures. They live a long period, calm, they know how to stand firm in all changes, days and nights, climates and seasons. It is said that one day, the Ashoka trees talked to Sita at a crucial moment in his life. Sita is the main female character and one of the central figures in the Hindu epic Ramayana: “Stay calm, little sister. Stay calm and steady, like us. The seasons change, we know, we know. This captivity is not forever. Stay still and remember that. ”
Think of the firmness and strength of a tree. Likewise, develop the ability to see yourself and other people as if they were trees: each different, each unique in its individuality — Pedro Kupfer
In my opinion, the trees are incredibly interesting, healing, wise, and knowledgeable: excellent teachers! Below I list some lessons that we can learn from them:
(1) Everything happens at the right time — First, we need to understand that divine time is always happening, in everything, in all creations. Just as you have the right time, a season to grow, flourish and repeat your cycle every year, we also realize that the universe places the right people, at the right times, in certain situations in our lives.
(2) Be patient — good things come with time. Enjoy what you have now, live the present and you won’t have to wait for anything. Everything that is yours will just flow into your life.
Picture your good and bring it through, rather than trying to force it through or even reason it through. All the forces of heaven and earth will get busy cooperating with your pictures and will help bring them to past. ~ Adam Cortez
(3) Learning how to deal with storms — the photo of the day 25/06, the twentieth day following the tree, I received on my cell phone an alert from the weather forecast application “yellow storm warning”. And it was on a rainy moment that I saw the strength of a tree. No leaf falls without God’s permission. Calm your heart because at the right time everything will make sense, including the storm. Our perception of strength and resistance is only really and properly perceived in a moment of vulnerability and overcoming.
(4) Adaptation and regeneration — A tree can heal itself. When injured, tree cells flow around the wound, creating a knot. When changing course, the wood grain cells provide nutrients and water to other parts of the tree, instead of simply hitting a dead end and cutting off all supplies for the rest of the tree. It is there, healthy, on the asphalt, cement, pollution, but it goes on. We must be willing to adapt to heal ourselves. We will always face adversity, but it is how we react to that adversity that reveals who we are as people. When we start to heal, we can start moving forward.
(5) Each being is unique, and that makes it so beautiful — through my window, I can see some different species, each one stands out for its unique beauty, for its wisdom that transcends. Each with its role, respecting time, flourishing, growing.
Always be proud of yourself and understand that it’s your individuality that makes you beautiful — Mark Feehily
(6) Change is inevitable — everything is seasonal. Following the transformation of a tree, from seed to flower, reminds us of the law of Impermanence — Anicca is one of the essential concepts for describing the universe according to Buddhism (along with dukkha and anatta, which makes up the 3 marks of existence). By this teaching, we understand that the constant mutation of all things makes up the universe. Change is a constant part of our lives, everything, and everyone around us. The Universe is Change.
(7) Strong and still flexible — Imagine yourself as a tree, rooted in your values, but in its essence, flexibility for acceptance and adaptation. Being flexible is essential to face new changes, accept new opinions, always aiming at expansion and growth — it is finding the perfect balance.
(8) Alone, but connected — All trees and in all forests are connected via underground networks. Trees share water and nutrients through these networks and also use them to communicate, a kind of “wood wide web”. May we still be far away, be close, in energy, synchrony, and attunement.
In this different moment that we are experiencing, a small exercise has become a great learning experience. I was able to put into practice constancy, discipline, commitment, and dedication. One day at a time. One photo every day. And with that mindfulness awareness, giving mindfulness made it possible to see the greatness of creation, to contemplate, observe, feel, wait, and experience the result. As much as the landscape is the same, with each photo, a change, one more flower, different learning. And all this brought a very important maxim: Beauty is in BEING NATURE!
PS. It was 21 days of this exercise, but I will continue to follow. Below, I’ll post more photos of the full bloom in the next few days
… To be continued
Source
Book: Sacred Tree Worship in India — Ramandeep Kaur
Book: Sacred Plants — Environmental Education Center, Chennai.
