About 2 years ago I was going through a pretty rough time of things. I was under some rather heavy stress, had enormous financial worries, on the verge of uprooting, and selling my house I’d owned for more than 30 years. I found solace in the beauty and grace of a large pine tree that grew in my front yard. One day that tree spoke to me.
Soon after, I read a Facebook post by Janet Roper, of Talk 2 The Animals, about the wisdom of trees (or trees speaking to us or something like that). I commented about my recent experience. Janet’s advice? Listen closely.
When I first heard it, I thought I’d truly lost my mind. Now, in all fairness, I didn’t literally hear a voice. It’s kind of strange and hard to describe, but it was more like an idea, with an image and sensation. Words that weren’t actually spoken. To anyone who’s never experienced this, I’m sure it makes no sense at all. But I’m here to tell you – once it happens to you, you can’t deny it.
A little history on this special tree…back in the early years of living there, we were offered money for it. I think the plan was to replant it in some new development. I said no, offering the guy who’d come to my door the other three trees for the same money instead. He wasn’t interested. Friends thought I was nuts to turn down $600 like that. But I loved the tree.
Years later, we found a kitten stuck in that tree – Chandler would become an irreplaceable part of our family, and a doting “Daddy” to untold numbers of foster kitties.
Throughout the years, the tree stood tall and proud, facing the road that led up to our house. It can be a bit unnerving, especially in bad weather, being in a house right smack at the end of a T-intersection. But our tree announced to all drivers coming up that road that they’d have to make a turn.
I’d always wanted to get one of those solar lights to place under it – to highlight it at night. Never did. But it was so beautiful, and would have looked amazing that way. The tree was stunning, but so were the pine cones it grew. Beautiful, perfectly shaped cones with a rich pine scent.
I came to experience this spirit by standing beneath the tree, absorbing the comforting, protective sensation it offered. I’d stand under it, gazing upward, admiring the grandness of its many branches, countless needles, beautifully-formed cones. Especially after a rain, the aroma of the pine was earthy, grounding. It got to where I’d go stand under that tree often, not knowing why I felt such relief there.
What made me think of my tree now? It truly has been a blessing in my life, and this week’s subject of the #52Snapshots of Life is “Blessings”. And I’m sure not coincidentally – my former neighbor messaged me about the tree.
She met with a spirit communcator, a medium, this past weekend. Now, my neighbor has many loved ones who’ve left this earthly realm. She has even more animals she’s rescued, helped, loved, shared her life and love with over the years. So it’s always a toss-up on who’ll “come through” with a communicator.
But to even the medium’s surprise – my tree came through. Granted, it’s no longer “my tree”. But in my heart it always will be. My beloved tree has concerns, about the property and what the new owners are doing to it, and for my neighbor. It wants to help her.
Blessings sometimes come to us in unsuspecting and surprising ways. The wisdom this tree gave to me will always be, in my mind and heart, a great blessing. I was in desperate need of comforting, and looking for direction. That tree gave it to me in spades, every time I stood beneath it.
I think if we open our minds and hearts and take a really good look around, we may find that some amazing blessings have been there for us all along. We just haven’t paid attention. And yet, the support, love, and assistance they’ve provided us have made all the difference in our lives.
And, though I’d never given much thought to the idea of a tree having a spirit, I now can’t look at anything growing in nature without assuming it, too, has one. It’s opened my eyes to the possibilities of what we can let into our hearts and lives.
May your life be filled with great blessings!
———-
A big thank-you once again to The Lazy Pit Bull for hosting #52Snapshots of Life! This week’s challenge is “Blessings” – enjoy more photographic interpretations –
I completely believe that nature talks to us, I feel all the time when we are out in the wilds somewhere. That is a beautiful story, about your great tree friend who always stood tall for you.
You know what, Mary? I don’t doubt that for one second, having seen those beautiful photographs of yours! The eye (and heart, and soul….) behind your lens so obviously sees and feels more than most when looking around at what Nature provides for us.
This is one of your finest posts my friend. That tree IS majestic and exquisite. I completely believe that it “spoke” to you. Like you, I believe we are “spoken” to by a host of things, if we only listen. The tree was probably offering you guidance/love for the loving care you took of it for so many years. I also would not have been able to take the $600 to take down such a gorgeous tree. I cry whenever I see a tree that has become ill and must be taken down. It breaks my heart. This is truly a unique and gorgeous tree, just like you!
I wish you could meet the tree, Caren – I’ll bet you’d have quite an experience, too, judging by your appreciation of trees alone! Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend. <3
Beautifully written Kim! Your tree definitely is one of your spirit guides!
This gives me such hope of all the possibilities that can be ours when we allow ourselves to be open to ALL life has to offer…people, animals and but of course…nature!
Your tree is soulful and beautiful!!
So well-said, Debbie – and the tree is truly soulful and beautiful!
What a beautifully written article – it truly gave me chills reading it. I am so glad that you have found comfort; your post has encouraged me to look for comfort in unconventional places. Bravo on a wonderfully written post!
Oh yes, I strongly recommend keeping yourself open to such experiences!
A beautiful tree, and a beautiful story. I believe that we can find our blessings and our comforts in some pretty peculiar places… or at least that’s what others might think. But who cares. We’re the one who’s blessed and comforted, and that’s what matters! Thanks for sharing!
I must admit, I did think twice about writing about this – the ol’, “What will people think” hindrance…but I just had to share, it was too great of an experience!
This post gave me chills. I completely understand your story. It’s so amazing to be in tune with nature, as you are. It’s definitely a blessing that you had this amazing experience, and I only wish other people could have it too! This was very inspiring!
Thanks, Amanda – I really hope more people allow themselves to open up to the possibilities surrounding them. Who knows what might happen, right?!
Trees do have something magical about them. You had a very beautiful tree. It looks like it was a wonderful tree to sit under and ponder the universe. Personally, I tend to be drawn to willows and the trees with the beautiful pink blossoms.
OMD – those are absolutely my favorites, too! You know, there used to be a weeping willow that stood next to this tree….struck by lightning one too many times, it ended up sickly and dying. And beautiful pink blossoms? Have you seen my photo of my old magnolia tree in the Beauty of Spring post? You’d looooove that tree!!
Wow, how amazing and interesting… I guess I hadn’t really heard about anything like this before. How neat that the communicator picked up a message from the tree… I hope he/she remains safe with new people around.
I think as long as it’s in touch with my (former) neighbor – it’ll be just fine. It’s a very strong, healthy tree that’s withstood much over the decades. I hope you get the chance to hear more about things like this. Check out Janet’s site and Facebook page, you’ll enjoy all her knowledge!
oh my.. this seriously made my eyes leaky!
Oh gosh, I sure don’t want to make your eyes leaky! If it touched your heart, though – I’m sure the Tree would help 🙂
There is something special about those big old trees – the one you write so beautifully about, and all the others that stand tall and constant in many of our own fond memories. I love visiting the historic homes in and around Virginia, not just for the houses, but for the grounds – including their wise, old trees. Those trees could tell SO many stories, spanning hundreds of years. Pretty awesome to think about.
I’m so glad your former neighbor keeps tabs on your tree for you, Kim. And I hope it’s standing there many more years, bringing comfort to those who breathe the oxygen from it’s branches. ☺
I hope so, too, Elizabeth – you really understand how I feel. Thank dog for my neighbors, they keep careful watch over all living things there!