Walking with Ancestors
Talking with the Trees
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day and she asked about my communication with trees.
“How do you start the conversation?” she asked.
I’m always excited about people’s curiosities for the Earth, specifically trees, and their desire to get closer to them.
“I first ask permission to approach and touch”. Like people, trees are deserving of our respect and consent. If a tree calls out to me, I still ask before entering it’s space.
The conversation from there depends on my mood or intention that day.
Most days I let the tree speak to me first, imparting some words of comfort, encouragement, or wisdom that I may need to hear. Like going to a grandparent for a hug and they know just the right thing to say.
Some days I have a specific question to ask it, something I am needing direction, clarity, or insight on. The response is always direct and clear.
Other days, I’ll spark a conversation as I would with a friend “how are you feeling today?” “what is on your heart?”. Trees like to be asked about too. Like any other relationship the one with trees is a reciprocal one, with not one side doing all the talking or requesting. I once had a tree express gratitude to me for stopping by and speaking to it.
“I am lonely most days. I haven’t talked to anyone in years. Thank you for coming to see me and asking about me.” It was a reminder to me to check on those in our lives that feel left out or on the outskirts, often our elders. Check in on your people. Sometimes it’s just nice to know someone is thinking about you.
On the rest of the days I will go with a simple expression like, “I’m tired.” and let the weight of the tree hold me and be a solace to my spirit, a resting refuge. Sometimes no words are needed. Sometimes you just need someone to sit with.
There are many ways to be with and in conversation with the trees and elements around us. Start with what’s on your heart and let the Earth speak back to you.
Sending Love on the Journey,
Grace
i love the summation of "Start with what's on your heart and let the Earth speak back to you." Slowing down to let your heart speak to the heart of the tree, the rock, the Earth as Mother. Each with such a different heartbeat. A boulder might be once in a thousand years...a tree maybe once a year. In any case, very different heart beats than ours, but still a rhythm.
I’m happy to hear there’s another human with the capacity to connect with the silent speech of trees.