Arborescence and You

The other day I found myself comparing the growth of individuals to the shape and bark of trees. Its odd how we strive for a view of perceived outer perfection in humans, and yet when looking at the gnarled bark of trees there is inherent beauty in it. There is no embarrassment in blackened trunks, or lost branches, there is unashamed intertwining of trunks and almost a majesty no matter the shape, structure or spread of any tree. Tall in their existence regardless. There is a lot we can learn from trees.

Writing in a post about emotional growing pains, I noted that there is often this embarrassment, whether coy or hiding, about our growth and changes. The slightly uncomfortable stretch of skin in passing through one phase to another. And yet, trees can do it so elegantly, making no excuses for growth or change; whether pushing rocks out of place, repairing broken limbs, or reaching for light. They are who they are no matter what state or form they happen to be in at any given point.  

Arborescence: adj: Having the size, form, or characteristics of a tree; treelike

Wistman's Woods, Dartmoor

While visiting these very ancient woods, I was struck by their remarkable youthfulness. For tree's well over 1000 years old, they seem barely over 300 years. These stunted oaks, where in many other regions grow to great heights, here they are comparative children in size.

 

An exert from the poem '(Explorers of) The Fifth Element'
MJCC May 2011

Life force, it moves in cycles so that,

it can continue to change and adapt

like passing of the moons above

the seasons shift and so this does

show us how we need to be

relaxed, at ease; more wild and free.

Quantum forces seen in motion
the apple gave Newton his notion
Act on yours, its your ability to give
in sharing can good memories live
relating creates strong family
no blood ties needed for this tree.