Plugged in

Have you ever noticed how trees are plugged in? It’s obvious, isn’t it!? I mean they are quite literally plugged into the earth, the soil. The roots of trees grow down and out, gripping the earth with all of their might. They hold on as if their life depends on it. Rain washes through, dissolving elements, the solution of life drawn up.  A city of fungi receives life from its presence. There is a world in the darkness, an entire community underground connected to the majesty of the tree. Soil held in place.  As we break the surface and come into the light, insects eat and dwell, some friend, some foe.  Birds eat bugs, make nests, and sometimes drill in and seek shelter.  Moving skyward, the trees unveil their solar array gathering light and making food for themselves. They breathe clean and mankind benefits. They connect soil, water, air, insects, fungi, animals and mankind.  They are stationary yet they are the social butterflies of the world. They are holding a party and everyone is invited.  

Even as the tree died, they are in the habit of giving back.  Ponder for a moment all of the things made from wood: dwellings, art, and amazing instruments to name a few. Symphonies arise from these sacrificial donations. Wood to be burned for the comfort of man. Allowing us to venture and settle in the cold places of the globe. Civilized society now cooks  their food. If trees stay at home after their demise, they give all of their sequestered resources back to the community.  Some of the giants spend several hundred years decaying on the forest floor giving life and regeneration.

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The connections that trees make are not just the visible ones. Trees connect the earth and sky and with a little deeper look we can see that trees connect so much more.  From the microscopic to the grand, these long lived woody plants stand tall, on guard of the environment like sentries on duty. 

Take the time to walk through the woods and see them in their natural habitat. It will do wonders for your well being!