– by Aruna Ladva, BK Publications London, UK, submitted by BK Etta Stevens

Wow!  Look at the simple beauty of Nature.  Isn’t She magnificent?

Take time …  Stop …  Be still …  See …  Listen …  Observe the beauty and wonders of Nature.  From the simplicity of a flower to the magnificence of a mountain.  Nature has Her own patterns which are perfect, simple and yet deeply intricate.  Nature works in a very systematic way, right down to the trees and the humble bees.  Nature is so benevolent and giving.  Yet, how much do we appreciate the free sustenance we receive from Nature?  There is never any charge for anything.  Everything is freely given.  Nature is God’s artist on the canvas of the world painting many beautiful shapes, patterns and vibrant colors for us to appreciate and enjoy.

Let us give thanks to Mother Nature.  Thank you for the sky, the sea and the lovely Earth on which we all live, and for all creatures great and small.  And sadly, how little do we honor and appreciate our Mother’s gifts!  Blessings upon blessings we should bestow to our true Mother… Nature.

Let’s take the example of trees.  Look at how resilient Nature is, we can see how the trees are just as strong in their roots as they are in their branches.  The deep root structure forms the foundation of the tree; ensuring the tree is flexible and malleable keeping the tree fully grounded.

Trees come back to life every year. They may look dead and dry in winter with their branches laid bare, but by spring they “wake up” and spring back into life!  Sometimes we cannot even imagine that they are the same trees.

We tend to think of growth when we think of plants, flowers and trees, they can withstand the forces of all the elements.  Indeed, they know how to flow with Nature’s seasonal cycles, adapting to all types of weather.  But what about us?  Why do we seem surprised by the heat, wind, rain and snow?  We need to learn from our fellow plants!

All facets of the trees are important, from the leaves being resilient and non-porous, strong and tough, to the sweet and fragrant blossoms.  Some trees have thorns that help to keep bugs and predators away.  What a metaphor for life!  Often wherever there is a poisonous plant, there will also be one that heals.  Both can be seen growing side by side, this is Nature’s art of balance. Plants need water and sunlight; some need daily or at least weekly attention. But do we give ourselves that regular attention in the right way?

Trees are known as the “lungs of the world”, they absorb carbon dioxide, and through photosynthesis release oxygen.  Trees support growth and renewal on our planet.  The branch structure and the foliage spread like an umbrella opening to the warm embrace of the sky, changing the atmosphere of our world.  We too can branch out into the world and spread our wings as we form social connections and share our light.

The Bodhi tree, also known as the Peepal tree, has a grey bark and leaves which stay evergreen.  The Bodhi tree is understood to release oxygen for the full 24 hours a day and can be widely seen in countries that have a hot climate like India. No wonder Buddha spent so much time sitting under the Bodhi tree in contemplation and deep meditation, filling himself with both shade and coolness.

Those that understand the nature and power of trees know that trees, and very old trees especially, hold a sacred and healing energy.  If you happen to see people hugging trees think twice before you judge them as being a bit crazy.  For indeed trees not only help us to breathe, but they take away our stress.  Somehow, they are able to absorb our negativity and help us to quite literally become grounded.  Trees carry an ancient wisdom, they stand there as history and time pass by, but the trees themselves are unchanging.

Perhaps we have a deeper relationship with trees than we thought.  We should ask ourselves: How grounded am I?  What sort of roots am I laying down that will help to support me in my life?  When I hold values in my life, and most of all spiritual values, then I find that these will help to support me and keep me in good standing in life.  My spiritual values are my roots, and they keep me grounded, helping me to withstand the tests and challenges that come my way. 

It’s Time … to appreciate all aspects of the beauty and wonder of Mother Nature.

In April this year we witnessed the destruction of a 500 year old oak tree in Enfield, in North London, simply because the tree was thought to be dead.  It was deemed to be a hazard to the local business and public.  This ancient and protected tree, listed by the Woodland Trust, was cut down… by mistake!  We cannot afford to lose any more of our beautiful and sacred trees due to human error and carelessness.

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A BEAUTIFUL HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL OUR BELOVED MOTHERS WHO ARE THE QUEENS IN OUR LIFE.