Whoever has learned how to listen to trees no longer wants to be a tree. He wants to be nothing except what he is. That is home. That is happiness.” -Herman Hesse

A Mighty Tree

A mighty tree is as welcoming as a treasured friend, offering shade and inviting us to relax and breathe in natures goodness.  When we surrender our scurrying, to accomplish those "oh so important tasks", space opens for us to right ourselves.

Permission is what a mighty tree offers… and many hidden gifts, cleansing the air we breathe, sharing the lap of our Mother to rest upon, whispering with a gentle sway what we all hope to know, give and receive.

Appealing to playfulness, trees beckon children to swing from limbs, create lookout towers and build secret fortresses in the sky.

Holders of ancient sacred stories, trees carry a wealth of history passed on through the ages. To this day, people share their hopes and dreams in prayers written upon ribbons and tied to  her branches, offered in a Holy hallelujah or plea for help when in the depths of despair.

Siddhartha comes to mind, a young man who refused to be shielded from human suffering  and received the wisdom of enlightenment as he sat under a Bodhi tree.  

There is magnificent beauty revealed in the essence of a tree, although seemingly separate, we too are joined by the root of our being; in Love.

Liz Sorensen Wessel 
Watercolor by ~liz

8 responses to “Days 211-212 A Holy Hallelujah”

  1. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    With a light touch, Liz, you have offered a comforting piece of writing, directly from your contact with other living things: people, trees, and other animal species. There is a flow to your writing–lilting like a soft melody on a challenging day; encouraging like a friend who knows just how you feel when you need it.
    Trees offer shelter and shade from the pressing cares of our world! When my sons were very young, I made up a story about a young boy who lived in a tree house and Jon and Dan and I “followed” that boy through many a made up adventure as well as his simple life of gardening and fishing and just being himself. They recall my stories and I hope received shelter as they faced their early life challenges.

    Like

  2. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    Your watercolour, like a tree, Liz, is a masterpiece. How blessed we are as we sit in the shade of the Tree of Life. How blessed we are for trees and Beauty.

    Like

  3. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar

    Another breakthrough success with your artwork, LIz. The lace window creates such a lovely scrim – and then the opening to the tree painted what must be your favorite color:-).
    Thank you for your eloquence about trees & the power of their presence – and what they offer to all.

    Like

  4. Jolyon Avatar
    Jolyon

    I feel quotey today…
    He that planteth a tree is the servant of God,
    He provideth a kindness for many generations,
    And faces that he hath not seen shall bless him.
    ~ Henry van Dyke, The Friendly Trees.
    The angel cried with a loud voice, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees.
    ~ Revelation 7:3
    Thank you for your tree Liz. And the ring of growth you represent…

    Like

  5. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    Thank you so very much for your kind and thoughtful affirmation,Terry! I appreciate the wonderful memory you have shared about going on adventures with your sons. I am sure they received your story telling as a precious gift that continues to linger in their imagination as a most cherished time spent together.

    Like

  6. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    May you be shaded and protected by the tree of life and the blessing of the spirit which you share so generously. Thank you, Maureen.

    Like

  7. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    Erie, thank you for your lovely response, and yes, she says sheepishly, “purple is my favorite color”. Guess, I will have to venture out a bit,:)
    Ha! Your encouragement always inspires me to persevere and I appreciate all the gifts that accompany this journey.

    Like

  8. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    Jolyon, I love the quotes that you have shared and the beautiful blessing you bestow through your presence, wisdom, abiding faith and endearing friendship. Thank you!

    Like

Leave a comment