avatararun

Summary

The website content reflects on the interconnectedness of life between humans and trees, emphasizing the importance of protecting and appreciating all trees as sentient beings that nurture life and inspire the author.

Abstract

The author of the web content expresses a profound connection with trees, acknowledging their role in the cycle of life and their intrinsic value beyond utilitarian purposes. Drawing from a quote by Sadhguru, the author highlights the symbiotic relationship between humans and trees, noting that trees are not merely providers of oxygen but are integral to our existence. The author, who lives in an apartment, cherishes the presence of trees like Neems, Gulmohars, and Plumerias, finding inspiration and solace under their shade. The cultural significance of trees is also underscored, with the author referring to the sacred groves or Kavus in Kerala, where trees are revered. The piece concludes with the author's aspiration to emulate the selfless nature of trees and the desire to continue enjoying their company until the end of life.

Opinions

  • Trees are seen as life-giving entities that deserve protection and veneration, not just for their practical uses but for their spiritual and emotional significance.
  • The author believes that the relationship with trees is a mutual exchange, where trees listen and inspire humans, much like silent partners.
  • The author has a personal yearning for a connection with the soil and nature, which is hindered by urban living conditions but is fulfilled by the trees that survive amidst the concrete structures.
  • There is a cultural aspect to the author's reverence for trees, with temples in Kerala having sacred groves where trees are worshipped, indicating a deep-rooted respect for trees in the author's upbringing.
  • The author expresses a desire to learn from trees how to offer oneself unconditionally, as trees provide shelter and sustenance to all forms of life without discrimination.
  • The author feels a profound sense of gratitude towards trees, acknowledging that while human companionship may be uncertain at the end of life, a tree will be there to symbolically share in the final journey.

PHOTOGRAPHY | NATURE | WRITING PROMPT

All trees are special

Your life is not an individual existence. What you exhale, the trees are inhaling; what the trees exhale, you are inhaling. If this was in everyone’s experience, would we have to tell you to plant and protect trees? — Sadhguru

I don’t know and I can’t choose a special tree. All trees are special to me, I can’t distinguish one from the other. If it is in my hands I would protect all that I can. If I have the prowess I would embrace every one of them on the planet.

Embrace | Arun

The tree is life, not independent life, but it is my life, it is your life, our life. The earth and its evolution started with the trees.

When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will we realize that one cannot eat money.

Living in an apartment means, there is no backyard, there is no courtyard, and there is no connection with the soil. My house is just a concrete plate hanging up in the air. I always yearn to descend, to the ground, to be with the soil, in the shade of the trees.

Luckily quite a few trees survive around the towering apartments where I live. Neems, Gulmohars, Plumerias, Jasmines, Teaks, et al. Many mornings I come down in pursuit of an inspiration, for a spark, and spend my time under the shade of neem tree to kickstart my day, or in the evenings craving to maintain a certain level of sobriety from the computer screen, I unwind under the plumeria tree, with its intoxicating fragrance gushing into my nostrils.

They do not just supply oxygen to my lungs, they listen to my soliloquies, rants, and musings. Being with me as a silent partner. Whose silence and rustling leaves instigate new ideas, and thoughts and many times inspire an epiphany to a nagging problem crawling in my brain.

My seat under the tree | Arun

In our culture we worship the trees, they are divine. Every temple in my hometown in Kerala has a sacred grove also known as Kavu. The trees are venerated and worshipped by all in these groves. It has been ingrained in me right from childhood to look at a tree beyond its utility, beyond its timber value. So I refuse to refer to trees as woods. Woods sounds so lifeless and listless. The tree is life, an exuberant life. It nurtures and nourishes a plethora of life forms all around it.

Kavu | Arun

I know how much struggle it is for me to lend myself unconditionally to everyone around me. But the trees are teaching me how to offer oneself, unbridled, unequivocally to anyone who comes to her refuge, even from the day one when it appeared as a tiny sapling on the planet.

As my life waddles down and reaches its inevitable destination, I don’t know who will be there to cry for me, but one of the trees would be there to burn with me. Till then I want to enjoy the lights and shades under the trees around me. All trees hold a special place in my heart.

Lights and shades | Arun

Thanks Dr. Preeti Singh for the great prompt about trees

I enjoyed reading Yana Bostongirl article on enjoying life more with little things

Reciprocal
Trees
Writing Prompts
Nature
Photography
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