Not just the physical healing properties of trees, of which there are many; Aspirin is derived from Salix sp.- the willow tree, and Witch Hazel, Hamamelis sp. provides an astringent. These are just two of the many species used in traditional Native American medicine with proven efficacy.
"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." -John Burroughs
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Trees also offer a balm for mental heath, and healing, and we nature-philes seek them out in the most unusual places. I found this digital tree being projected onto a wall in a lobby at the Cleveland Clinic. While waiting, once again, for more tests...more results... I was drawn to this image.
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The tree hypnotically swirls and twists as though it were in a circular wind. It also progresses though the seasons. Pictured in the above photo- the flowers of spring. It continues to full leaf of summer, and on to golden leaves of fall- which eventually are wind swept away to reveal the most stark, bare essence of a tree.
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Maybe we, as humans, relate to a tree's resilience.
Trees endure each year, what we might perceive as a struggle or mini-death, and are beautifully reborn with spring. As basic as breathing in and out: we live, we grow, and hopefully, we see many seasons before we die. It is our nature.
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And so, I sat mesmerized by this tree, and its impact on others. I was surprised as numerous people stopped (like me) to capture its image on their cell phones. The weary-worn individuals, wandering from the parade of people in the main hall, to stop and watch a the tree-of-"light" and a portion the life-drama being played out before their eyes. But most of all, how peaceful I felt while in the midst of great inner turmoil.
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We know nature heals.
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And those of us lucky enough to be aware and connected to this life-drama must care enough to protect and conserve our natural areas. Let's do it for the future generations- before man's greed has drilled, cut and paved over the last tree.
