Trees have played a part in our lives since the beginning of time for humankind. Ancient literature refer to trees again and again - Ancient Druidism, Buddhism, Christianity, Folk Lore, Egyptology and more. In fact all ancient civilisations will at some point refer to a tree in order to represent some part of their philosophy or history.
It seems strange that the journey of this world and humankind has had such a strong and intimate relationship with trees. It seems even stranger however that we are loosing touch with this key stone species and now in this modern day regard it as an essential - non essential!
In the next several blog posts I will be going through the more intimate and spiritual aspect of our lifelong relationship with trees and how there existence is indeed very personal to you
We are the guardians of our ancient and young arbors. We have the ability to reap destruction or to garner the fruits of both nourishment and spiritual wisdom.
The part we have so readily lost touch with in recent years is the aspect that although we hold the axe, the trees hold the wisdom. That wisdom is our birthright and our connection to earth. It offers the tools to show us how to live our lives wholesomely and wisely.
How is it that trees hold so much ‘wisdom’? If you think that some of our British Isles species have around 800 years or more of time under their belt. That they have stood in one spot and weathered more storms than can be thought of. That the environment they have created just by their very growth has protected and supported numerous species of both flora and fauna, that its very presence both macro and micro show us the very state of our planetary health.
It also offers the tools of human healing and this is why we really must learn how to reconnect to one of our most supportive and beneficial human guides- the trees! A total of 9 clinical trials have been conducted on the hawthorn tree alone between 1990 and 2008 on its properties for treating cardiovascular disease
But we all know in our hearts how we feel when we leave our cars and houses and head for the woods. How we feel after a long walk traipsing through fallen leaves and hearing that soothing thud of footsteps on deep rooted woodland pathways.
Forest Bathing How Trees Can Help You Find Health And Happiness by Dr Qing LI may sound like a Japanese phenomenon but the science is out there and the proof is definitive. Trees are an essential- essential!
The reason I am so drawn to trees and paint them almost exclusively is because those hidden secrets very generously have begun to reveal themselves to me. I feel an indebtedness to our forests and woodlands and would like to share this with you.
I also feel a strong urge to put some records straight and to find a way to reconnect humans back to trees and vice versa. If any one painting can help remind us of this blessed connection then i feel i have in some way helped.
In the next several posts i will be going through the healing properties of trees and their ancient hidden gifts. This knowledge has been around in both ancient texts and mythology for thousands of years. Garnered from times when we were much closer to the rhythms of the earth.
From one of the oldest living trees The Magnolia that was pollinated by beetles because Bees had not even been thought of yet, to ancient Oak trees and why often judge and jury trials were held under them. To the little known truth and understanding of Bluebells and their powerful significance in our lives.
Perhaps you're ready to reconnect and remember what you already know about trees but just might like a friendly reminder of why they are so vital to our health and well being. Very little you are about to learn in the next posts will be what you have been use to. I hope this information will be useful and helpful to you
There is a lot to consider and a lot to learn. We each have a tree that supports our growth and development. I have learnt that certain trees can play a very special part in our lives at certain times, offering both a healing and a closer connection to nature as well as ourselves
Now more than ever we need to remember why our relationship to nature is so vital to our health, well being and longevity on this most beautiful planet earth.
Debbie Baxter
