Winter Walks
Winter in nature holds a slow, peaceful energy. It is a nice retreat inward. The evergreen tree canopies protect one from the chilly winds and raindrops while the deciduous trees highlight the sky and reveal abandoned squirrels and bird nests. Tree trunks and branches glow enthusiastically with electric green mosses with the occasional speck of flaky lichen and unique mushrooms. The fallen leaves that lay thick upon the ground are not only food for all living plants, these leaves protect many living creatures including native salamanders and frogs who are sleeping. Be a cautious, gentle, and kind steward when roaming leaf piles in nature, so as to not disturb these creatures.
After heavy rains, the streams gush with momentum while ponds grow wider and deeper. It’s invigorating to listen to water’s robust roar while intriguing to hear a faint trickle. It is especially soothing to sit and observe surrounding reflections in still waters like ponds. It is as if the water is listening to everything around it.
There are many living beauties within nature’s winter landscape. It requires one to pause, explore, and focus closely to see them. The sweet aroma of evergreen boughs is delightful and the dank fragrance of wet, rotting leaves is oh so memorable. Maybe, one just wants to wander or sit.
Winter in nature allows time to witness your own being and to hug a tree in privacy.
Nature is Our Friend
It all begins with an idea.
Nature is our friend you can visit anytime. Nature is our friend who listens and accepts you just as you are. Nature weeps, smiles, and breathes with you.
I have learned so much about myself and understanding how to flow in life just being in Nature. Nature is here to sustain, teach, and guide us in our lives. So next time you visit Nature, please express gratitude in your own way to all of it. Nature will bless you in return.
Mother Trees
It all begins with an idea.
Yes! There are Mother Trees in the forest. Mother Trees are the elder trees who support nourishment and safety to younger trees through their roots as well as protect young starts with their canopy of leaves. Mother Trees communicate from tree community to tree community through their roots. Mother Trees can even identify which trees are their offspring just as our Mom can identify us in a crowd.
Learn how to identify a Mother Tree and more about these wise elder trees during an outdoor nature class. Or go for a hike today and observe the trees. One can learn so much just by observing and being with trees. Perhaps, while you are there your attention will drift and focus on wildflowers smiling, insects flying, wildlife footprints, or birds singing. Just slowly inhale it, one moment at a time.