Talking To Trees
Is not necessarily a one-way conversation
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I think some of the most exciting news in science these days is the discovery that trees talk. They literally communicate with each other through a vast underground network that allows them to care and watch out for each other.
This doesn’t really surprise me. Well, it does, actually, yet when I first read about tree-talk, I felt the thrill of having a secret theory I had never shared with anyone suddenly and delightfully proved.
Ever since I was little, I have loved talking to trees.
Even today, taking my usual four-mile walk along the country roads in my neighborhood, I could not help exclaiming to the golden-leaved trees ,“How gorgeous you look! The sunshine today is making you glow like warm honey!”
I can’t say that I stopped to hear their reply. At least not a spoken reply directed to me.
However, a sudden gust of wind shook the tree as I spoke. Down came a cascade of bright yellow leaves. Each leaf, I swear, seemed to sail my way, swirl around my feet, and then settle a few steps ahead of me.
I think that trees don’t just talk. I think they listen too.
Some of the sounds they hear must frighten them. The crackle of a fire. The rumble of a bulldozer. And certainly worst of all, the brutal buzz of a chain saw.
Yet, like all sensate souls, how they must delight in the songs of birds, the hum of bees, and riffling of wind through their leaves.
And although there is no scientific proof (yet), I believe that trees appreciate the humans who love them.
I like to think that a person’s voice at any age, (although I would imagine the clear, piping voice of a young child must bring them special delight), is pleasing to a tree.
Don’t we all love to be appreciated? Don’t we all feel happy to be noticed, greeted, and praised? So why wouldn’t trees, among the most honored and wise of living beings on earth, also appreciate a word or two of love?
Next time you pass a tree, why not take a moment to give it a hug or a pat? Followed of course by a greeting and a smile: “Hello, Tree! Seeing and touching you has made my day!”
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, you also might enjoy learning about the mind-blowing intelligence of trees:
