Advice From Trees

Hello Tree’s how’s it going, I’ve come to ask what you know.

Sure Jose, ask us what you want to know.

Thank you. First of all why are you all so far apart from each other in the city?

In the city, we all don’t want to stay too close in order for each one of us to stand out and be admired. As long as people can tell that each tree is its own individual and unique in its own way we are content to live in the city. As for the forest, we are more connected and community is more central to our lives. It just seems in the city with all the noise and street lights we also have to stand out to be noticed. That would be the only way from not being unseen and hurt.

Is it easier to live in the city than a forest?

It is far more convenient but no less easier. We are maintained well but are brought to face many other abuses. Many trees can sense others and feel them nearby. If someone is happy or excited then a tree can pick up on those feelings and if emotions are more negative than many trees can help ameliorate those feelings and calm them down. However, with all the emotions and sensations of others, especially people, us trees feel all the sensations can press on us and confuse our abilities to calm others. That is why it is always best to visit a tree alone or in an intimate group.

The best place for trees in the city are those in parks and the most-difficult places for trees to be are in sidewalks; surrounded by concrete, moving bodies, and isolated in small plots from the support of others. It can feel very isolating to be a tree in a sidewalk as you have to watch everything pass you, where you take in every impression but before you can impress on them they are already walking away. It’s almost like watching an awful image pass by before you can see it’s conclusion.

I’m sorry trees. I didn’t realize that.

That’s okay, us trees understand and have compassion for you. We always welcome anyone who needs a place to rest upon and shelter them from whatever troubles they are facing. We trees are great listeners. Again that is why we like it better when someone visits us alone because they feel more open to talk to us. For some reason that we feel grieved about, we have seen that people are embarrassed or ashamed to talk to us when they are around others like themselves. Some people even go so far in denial as to admit to themselves that we don’t really exist. That is why we have to stand out in the city. In a forest, people know trees exist. In the city many people cannot see us. But we understand and have compassion for you all.

How do you feel about all the animals and things that live inside you?

We feel no different than the things that live inside you. Everything that lives in us and with us is a part of us. Any bird or rodent that lives on our branches is a part of us. The insects that make a home in us are a part of us. Just like your heart and your lungs are a part of you. All your organs live inside of you and are a part of you for that reason. Even our emotions and feelings are a part of us. They can form us and bend us in many ways.

But don’t they bother you?

Sometimes, but don’t your emotions and organs bother you sometimes?

I suppose you’re right. Well I have one more question, how can I see a butterfly?

What do you mean Jose? Butterflies are everywhere.

I just can’t seem to find one even though I have been searching for one for so long.

Well that’s easy. Just be patient enough and a butterfly will find you.

Okay. Thanks trees. I feel better talking to you.