Trees as Teachers: Lessons in Hope

I am amazed by trees. Like hope, trees grow in the cracks, stay strong in the storm, and resist what seeks to destroy them. Sometimes they need a little help. And they are always beautiful.

Growing in the cracks

During the last few years, my husband and I have been helping my mother to take care of her woodland property. We’ve explored hills and valleys and seen all kinds of trees in all kinds of growth patterns, from trunks with “windows” as branches diverge then grow back together, to twisty-turny branches seeking sunlight.

This year I discovered a most impressive tree growing in the crack of a large rock.

Where no growth would seem possible, this tree took root and now grows strong, making the space it needs by expanding the crack in the rock.

~ May I create space for hope to grow in the cracks of my life.

Staying strong in the storm

Wanting to learn more about trees and the woods, I joined my local Sierra Club group for a hike and book discussion. We talked about Peter Wohlleben’s and Jane Billinghurst’s Forest Walking: Discovering the Trees and Woodlands of North America. It was a great time connecting with others as we shared our thoughts and pointed out wonders of nature. Everyone was inspired by Wohllenben’s description of trees in a windstorm:

“If you watch the treetops, you will see how each tree moves slightly differently when the wind hits it. Some right themselves as others begin to bend. This means that when one tree is bending over, the tree next to it is providing support.”

~  May my hope stay strong through life’s storms as I allow others to support me, and as I support them.

Resisting what seeks to destroy

As I learn more about trees, I also learn about the dangers they face and the fascinating ways in which they work together to mount defenses. From sharing nutrients through the underground fungal network to emitting chemicals that alert other trees of insect threats, trees resist dangers together.

Unfortunately, though, trees can’t always survive danger. In my mother’s woods, ghostly severed trunks of dead ash trees haunt the landscape. These trees died from the invasive emerald ash borer beetle. But though the grown trees died, on a walk through the woods this year we discovered that all may not be lost. The forest floor held numerous ash seedlings.

We will wait and see what happens. But even in death, the ash trees are part of the forest eco-system, from which new life will emerge.

~ May my hope persist and help others. And even if a part of my hope dies, may a new hope spring up in its place.

Removing what’s harmful

Though nothing could be done for the ash, there is something my husband and I are doing to help the oaks, maples, hickories, and tulip poplars. We are removing as many invasive plants as possible.

One of the invasive plants is the Oriental bittersweet vine that climbs and wraps around trunks and branches, depriving the leaves of light and choking the tree. Some vines are small and can be pulled out by hand. Others are so thick only a chainsaw will suffice. But each vine removed or cut will give the tree a chance at a longer, healthier life.

~ May my hope be sustained as I get rid of thoughts that choke out light and life.

Valuing beauty in every season

Sometimes full and vibrant, sometimes stark and gray, trees encapsulate beauty.

~  May the beauty of my hope shine in all of life’s seasons.