What I Learned From Trees

I look at trees and marvel at their majesty. As a child I climbed many trees and loved to be in them. They were my playground and my sanctuary. They held me. Today I appreciate the picture of the tree of life in my office. Even having a good relationship with trees, I haven't listened to trees in the way that Hesse describes. I am made of the same stuff as trees, so every tree is a path that leads homeward, leads me home from whence I come. I had a mentor whom I very much looked up to, and he always insisted that I follow my own nose and not imitate him, which supported and inspired me to be who I am. A tree is itself, not imitating any other tree, and listening to it could further inspire me to be all that I am. When I listen to trees, I hear rustling and creaking -- it's telling me much more -- I will listen more closely.