Have you felt anything from a tree? Sure, comfort from sitting it its shade, amazement at its beauty, wonder at the intricacy of a leaf--more than that? Sometimes, the living trees give a gift.
There was a huge, old tree in my backyard in Chicago. I loved this tree. All trees are loved by me, huge and diminutive. One day, meditating under this tree, resting comfortably under its canopy, leaning against its trunk, I thanked the tree for letting me enjoy it in so many ways. Then, to my surprise, I felt a current of energy, happiness, love and calm flow from the roots of the tree through me. It was amazing.
A similar experience happened when I was hiking in a forest preserve in Lansing. My dog and I were enjoying the beautiful day, the soft scents and sounds of nature, an azure sky with white clouds drifting by, the soft ground cushioning our feet... There was this lovely, ancient, magnificent tree. Just having to feel it, I felt a similar current when placing my hand on it and saying, "You are so wonderful."
Each experience was a bit similar but unique, totally unexpected. The specific tree only did this action once, to my dismay. So, it was a gift from the tree. Thank you, tree.
