Lessons from a Tree

This tree is on one of my favorite hikes, far enough out from Bozeman, MT that you don’t get too many people on the trail. Sunsets are spectacular, spring meadows are covered with flowers and in the fall, everything dries up and the landscape becomes golden.

The very first time I came across this tree it was totally infested with flies. I had never seen anything like it – it was awful!

In the next couple of years, tree got hit by lightning, killing its main top and splitting it wide open. Then, because the branch hung straight over the trail, someone cut off its limb. I thought the tree would not make it. I could feel that its energy was withdrawn.

I have been awed by the perseverance and presence of this tree. I have sat beneath its bows and received wisdom. I have leaned against its trunk and felt loved.

This tree has survived brutal winters, scorching summers, infestation, being split open and loosing parts of itself. It has wept, and it has seeped – and it has healed. Now it is thriving!

Tree has taught me that this is the cycle of all lives here on Earth. We get infested, broken open, loose parts of us – and yet we persevere – and can even thrive - we just need to stay grounded and reach to the heavens.

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