The tree, a dear friend.

“Sadness gives depth. Happiness gives height. Sadness gives roots. Happiness gives branches. Happiness is like a tree going into the sky, and sadness is like the roots going down into the womb of the earth. Both are needed, and the higher a tree goes, the deeper it goes, simultaneously. The bigger the tree, the bigger will be its roots. In fact, it is always in proportion. That's its balance.”

While writing this mindful blog, I look out over the 100-year-old flowering chestnut tree. What a beautiful sight and what power the tree radiates. The proud white candles, the fresh green leaves, the energy and the beauty. It touches me deeply, every time. It is also this tree that reminds me to 'let go' in the fall, to make room for the new. Every year again. In winter the tree shows the nakedness, the exposure, as can happen to you, your deepest emotions and feelings become more palpable, without the distraction of the carefree vibe of summer. The tree, which seems so ordinary but has a deep consciousness within it. And the intelligence of the Universe is reflected, if you take the time to look, feel and observe.

For me this is the most beautiful symbol of life itself, of who we are, here on Earth - connected to nature. Because we are nature. We are one whole and always connected. We couldn't exist here without the trees. The trees do so much for us. They give us oxygen, but just as important: they also absorb all waste products, or CO2, and turn this into our life energy: O2. They are wizards, magicians. I always say. But so do we: we do the same thing, but on a different level: we can transform difficulties in life into strength and depth. We also need to 'root' to grow further. We plant seeds of dreams and desires and let them grow and blossom into the most beautiful 'trees'. We are the seeds that have grown into beings of light and love. The tree is the embodiment of 'love'. If you want to know what love is, study a tree.

Vrksasana

The tree is a well-known pose in yoga practice, also known as Vrksasana

Yoga is the oldest movement theory and originated in India more than 2000 years ago. The first yogis had a deep desire to become more one with nature. They saw themselves as part of the same world as plants, animals and nature. They meditated in nature and alternated these meditations with observation of animals. They observed and came to the conclusion that the different postures also had a function to optimize a situation or goal. And all animals do very simple stretching exercises when they wake up, for example. The yogis wanted to learn whether these postures were also good for their own body and concluded that they felt stronger, fitter and more flexible. There are stories of yogis who stayed in the Vrkrasana - tree pose - for years to become one with the trees around them.

Prana

The basis of yoga is about Prana - life energy - and by consciously using your breath you generate this energy. These conscious exercises are called pranayamas and form the basis of your yoga practice. Anyone who has seen the film Avatar will probably remember that these creatures feed on energy from the 'tree of life'. A beautiful vibrating tree, with which contact is made through the hair. Actually, this is not fiction because we do nothing but that all day and night. On average, we make contact with the trees approximately 8,000 to 24,000 times a day through our inhalations and exhalations. And this makes the connection with the trees and plants.

But trees also communicate with each other, this is also called the Wood Wide Web . Yes, it is certainly true that opinions on this theory vary, but personally I believe it to be true, because I can also perceive and feel the energy of a tree. The Wide Wood Web is based on a research and observation by Peter Wohlleben, who was originally a forester in Germany. He got tired of chopping wood and started observing the trees. He discovered all kinds of miracles that he could not explain and discovered that trees communicate with each other and also support and help each other when a tree is sick. Communication can go through the roots, but also through fungi that live in symbiosis with these trees. Compare with our 'internet'.

It is suspected that the Wood Wide Web is a global system. There are currently many investigations underway and it is likely that much more will be released about this.

Personally, I notice that I become very calm when I am surrounded by many trees and I find it magical how such a beautiful large tree can grow from a chestnut. For me, the tree is the symbol of the magic called life. And shows us so many layers. As humans we also go through personal seasons and there is always a recurring cycle of:

letting go,
stillness
grow
bloom.

The tree, which patiently takes in all our last waste products (co2) again and again and with the same patience turns it into oxygen.

The tree is home to the many birds that live in it and build billions of maternity beds in it all over the world, every year. The life that lives and lives on and is brought to life. In other words: abundance.

Forest of Ancients

The tree that was once that little seed, just like us. And grew into a being with so much potential and power. The path from the roots into the depths of the Earth and from there moving with the light. The second oldest tree in the world is approximately 4,845 years old. And bears the name Methuselah . But Methuselah has an older brother who is 5,062 years old. They belong to

pinus longaeva or commonly called Great Basin Bristlecone Pine and can be found in the 'Forest of Ancients' along with many other congeners that are thousands of years old.

The 'Forest of Ancients' is located in the White Mountains in California.

Finally, something about Osho's beautiful quote:

This quote is my guideline and support in difficult times. In times when I have experienced much sadness, due to the loss of loved ones and deep disappointments in life. Old wounds that opened until they were allowed to be healed.

The tree, for me the symbol of the magic that we are, all of us. The tree that nourishes us and reminds us that we are unique and a magical part of an even more magical Universe.

Namaste,

Aliye