CONSIDER TREES
One aspect of Lenten discipline is to examine our lives and to seek God’s presence in our inmost thoughts and actions. To follow such a discipline is no easy task in a world filled with individual and societal stressors. Immersing ourselves in nature is one way of calming the mind to begin this “soul work”. This practice of being mindfully present in nature is called “forest-bathing” and became popular in Japan in the 1980’s. Using our human senses while in a natural setting, releases “feel-good hormones' ' and breathing in the scents of certain trees boost the immune system. Taking time each week to be immersed in nature will provide us with calmer inner selves that are more ready to respond to God’s presence with us.
Of course, we already know what wonderful things trees are doing for the earth as they use their marvelous natures to take carbon dioxide out of the air and release oxygen. At the same time absorbing carbons throughout the tree from roots to buds. Some of the carbon is also stored in the soil around the tree. While forest-bathing, we can also be grateful for the God given systems that keep the earth healthy.
To round out our emphasis on trees, here is a poem written by Cedric Wright, found in the book, “Earth Prayers”, edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon.
Consider the life of trees. Aside from the ax, what trees acquire from man is inconsiderable. What man acquires from trees is immeasurable. From their mute forms there flows a poise, in silence, a lovely sound and motion in response to wind. What peace comes to those aware of the voice and bearing of trees. Trees do not scream for attention. A tree, a rock, has no pretense, only a real growth out of itself, in close communion with the universal spirit. A tree retains a deep serenity. It establishes its roots system but also those roots of its beauty and unknown consciousness. Sometimes one may sense a glisten of that consciousness, and with such perspective, feel that man is not necessarily the highest form of life.
EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Give forest-bathing a try this week as part of your Lenten discipline. Consider planting a tree or advocating for tree planting.
SOURCE: https://healingforest.org/2020/01/27/forest-bathing-guide. (This site has a nice video too), Nature Conservancy Magazine (spring2022), “Second Nature” by Kirsten Weir. Earth Prayers: From Around the World, edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon, poem by Cedric Wright.