by Hermann Hesse, Bäume. Betrachtungen und Gedichte (taken from this site)
SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How do you relate to the author's notion that trees are wiser than we are as long as we do not listen to them? Can you share a personal story of a time when you felt the sacredness of a tree? What has helped you listen to trees?
it´s very sad watch to disappear the hood and jungle all over the world ....
I too have long loved trees; I must go home where the trees stand tall and offer so much peace. They are the true survivors of the earth because they are home: peaceful, enduring, strong, patient, and my refuge when I wonder too far from my inner soul. Trees live to serve this earth, unlike many humans who live to take. Ironically, with death, humans will give back to trees and perhaps a tree will again be home for my lost soul.
I have experienced several times while strolling in the morning the feelings of talking with trees and plants. But i don't have as strong expression power to elucidate the feeling as Hermann Hesse has in his writings.His writings makes the matter live and enjoyable to reader.
I regularly visit a sacred place in the suburbs of Manila. It's land is sloping and I discovered that the higher slopes have beautiful trees. One of the trees that inhabit the place is called the "Tibig" tree. The Tibig tree is an indicator that there is a water source (in Tagalog,water is "tubig"; there is a play of words here) underneath its roots. I love these trees because of how it "speaks" to me. It does not only give off oxygen, and tells something about the water source, but somehow it tells of its love for life and its meaning and purpose. My spirit feels a certain oneness with trees. I feel I am accompanied by a spiritual friend. Trees are sacred, they give us Life!
Beautiful and necessary reminder in the power in nature. I adore trees and listen and simply watch as they sway in wind, bending not breaking; we can do the same: just be. We dont have to try so hard.
This is a beautiful piece and very timely as I traveling to the Equadorian Cloud Forest on Thursday. I have always felt an affinity with trees, I love hugging them, I love leaning against them and meditating. I enjoy thinking about the concept of time when I engage with trees, I wonder what a tree would say if you asked it what time it was. Tomorrow is the UN World Peace Day and as part of my celebration I am planting 2 Olive Trees with the children I work with at our NGO www.mundolibre.org.pe I hope you all can share a moment tomorrow to celebrate this day.
The moment I look at a tree, I am invariably reminded of "a way of being".
Trees are the best examples of "to be" or "just be" in contrast to "to do" or "be this or that".
I was so touched to reread Hermann Hesses observations and reflections. I read them as a youngster. I have been in love with trees since my young years and have played around and with them. Support them when they do grow on a difficult place and go to visit them when the wheather is rough on them. But also for wisom and to be reminded over and over again by their holding and allowing me to come home under their roof of leaves where I feel safe.
Thank you so much for this sharing! I will remind my tree friends that some are in touch with them. Bless you!
this was a wonderful morning expression about trees - most beloved trees.
I have a very large tree outside my bedroom window that I wake up to every morning that gives me comfort ....
No matter where I am i find myself most attracted to the wonder, beauty , strength and magnificence of trees.
I think i have been trying to learn how to listen to trees my whole life thus I learn how to listen to myself ...
Trees are wiser than we are in that they are what they are, without wavering or thinking about it. We are to be like trees, that is, not listen to others and not be distracted by anything but listen to ourselves and become all that we are. I've become deeply aware of the sacredness of all of nature, and that includes trees. Trees seem to be better at becoming what they are than we humans are at becoming what we are. Trees seem to not worry or complain or try. They are in the present, they unselfconsciously respond to what's happening, they become. I don't listen to trees nearly as often or as attentively as I could and as would be good for me. Hesse's essay and this reflection remind me to listen to trees and all of nature more closely.