The Quiet Magic of Trees

What marvels fill my sight each day! No matter where in the world I may be they reach out to me. With so many arms, their fluttering leaves rustle my Soul. Magnetic poles of universal energy flow. Silent Spirit sentries, guarding the doorway to otherworldly dimensions.

Trees can teach us to speak the language of the universe. With endless love they provide the nourishment our soul so desperately longs for. Nurturing all of life, they give us their bodies for fire, warmth and shelter. Inhaling the breath of human life, they digest our exhale and transmute it to life giving oxygen... The same air that enables our existence, that feeds our blood, that makes it possible for us to continue our journeys -- whatever we are called towards.

A mature tree produces enough oxygen for two people to live from each year. One big leafy tree might produce ten times this amount. And she does all this without ever questioning why, without doubting whether she has given enough, or if she's received her dues for what she provided.

So wherever in the world you happen to be -- the next time you pass a tree along the way, don't forget to share some gratitude for all that she represents... Remember all what she does for you, and for us, without asking anything in return. Open your heart to her (just a little crack is OK), and see if she doesn't have some quiet message for you. Some blessing from Mother Earth, rushing generously in to fill the space. A whisper from the Great Spirit to soothe your Soul. Some cheerful tidings from the heart of the great tree nations she represents so nobly. See if she doesn't have something to teach you about service, generosity, and the timeless whisper of the Soul of the Universe. Calling you back to your true nature.

Hey, maybe even give her a little hug... and remember. For you, for Her, and for us. Remember... The never ending, life-affirming, quietly generous spirit of the magic giving tree.

Silent sentry of the Universal Soul.

And after a long time the boy came back again. "I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to give you – My apples are gone." "My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy. "My branches are gone," said the tree. "You cannot swing on them –" "I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy. "My trunk is gone," said the tree. "You cannot climb -" "I am too tired to climb" said the boy. "I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something.... but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry...." "I don't need very much now," said the boy. "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy.

– Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree