The tree. One of the most incredible forces of nature. I’m in awe of the way they stand strong, rooted in the earth, stretching their branches towards the sky like wise old sages. Trees seem to hold all the wisdom of the universe in their thick, gnarly trunks and rustling leaves. And yet, we rarely stop to truly appreciate the lessons that they can teach us about life.

As metaphorical and strange as this may sound – perhaps it’s time we start taking notes from nature, and be more tree.

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree

Trees come in all shapes and sizes, but they have two things in common: they are all beautiful, and they are impressive in their resilience.

Trees are a testament to the magnificence of nature, with each one bearing its own unique beauty. From the mighty Eucalyptus regnan to the graceful cherry blossom, they stand proud and unapologetic, unwavering in their authenticity. Unlike humans who are often plagued with insecurities and doubts, trees exude a hypothetical ‘confidence’ that comes from their unshakable connection to the earth and their role in the ecosystem. As they provide us with the oxygen we need to survive, they remind us of the critical importance of being grounded in our values and our place in the world.

It might sound like an odd comparison, and I’m aware that talking about a tree exuding confidence might make me sound a bit mad, and maybe I am. I know trees don’t have personalities and they are nothing like humans. But if only we were more like them……

So allow me to continue with my tree talk – I was just getting into it.

If the Tree Was a She (or he)

I believe the personification of the tree is one to aspire to. She stands proud, majestic, and effortless. Just by being, she is a beautiful reminder that we are also a part of the planet’s natural balance. She makes me realise that there is beauty and purpose to every living organism. Every. Single. One.

Beyond the ecological benefits, trees offer us a sense of peace, wonder, and connection to the natural world. They are living manifestations of the beauty and resilience of life, and of the power of stillness and rootedness amidst the chaos. Loving trees means loving ourselves and our planet, and recognizing our interconnectedness with all living beings.

So let’s think of those gorgeous trees as the wise old ancestors that preceded us. Let’s learn from them, and be the apples that don’t fall too far.

Root yourself in what matters

The strength of a tree comes from its roots. Anchored deep into the earth, trees draw nourishment and stability from the soil. This is a fitting metaphor as to how we could live our lives. To feel stable, we need a sense of grounding. This may differ from person to person, but by rooting ourselves in the things that are important to us, we too can find strength. And when everything is a jumble and we’re not quite sure where we stand, addressing the root is always the first way of finding more clarity. Our roots could be our family, our culture, our passions, our home, our relationships. It doesn’t matter, but feeling rooted is always a great place to work from.

I urge you to explore what being grounded means to you…you never know what you might discover. Babe – I’m rooting for you.

Like a Tree – Embrace change

Trees go through cycles of growth, shedding leaves in the fall and sprouting new buds in the spring. They don’t resist change – they simply are change as a natural part of life. We too can learn to embrace change, trusting that it will bring new opportunities and growth. Nothing blossoms all year round. The tree is a great reminder of life’s flow, and that it’s natural and healthy to go through cycles. So instead of fighting the inevitable, we must embrace it. To be alive is a random and magnificent opportunity, and we owe it to the universe and to ourselves to take the bad with the good. If we are so intelligent as human beings, we should be smart enough to know that we are by no means exempt from the wild cycles of nature.

Bend, Don’t Snap

In the face of strong winds and heavy storms, trees may sway and bend, but they rarely break. Their flexibility allows them to weather the toughest of storms. We too can learn to be more resilient by being flexible to the challenges we face, rather than resisting or breaking under the pressure. Like trees, we can learn to adapt to our circumstances, bounce back from setbacks, and emerge stronger than ever before. So let’s remember to bend, not break, and face life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

Beautiful Me, Beautiful Thee, Beautiful Tree

The ‘beauty’ industry is a multi billion dollar industry that makes us feel like we should do everything we can to stay young. But I’d like to know – why are we so averse to aging? If we can marvel at the grandeur, age, and magnificence of trees which look ancient, then why can’t we do the same for ourselves?

I actually find it quite terrifying that our attitudes are so resistant to growing older. Because ‘growing’ older says it all doesn’t it? We are growing. We practice mindfulness, work hard at progressing in our careers, read books and listen to podcasts so that we can learn more about life… We’re desperate to progress and grow in every way possible, yet when it comes to physical appearance, we desperately want the opposite!

Guys. Growing is growing. We can’t expect the wisdom without the age. Growing old is a privilege that not everyone gets to experience… we should be so lucky. So let’s be grateful for every grey hair, every line, every wrinkle, and every achey bone  – because they are all a part of our story. Why not dig your nails in deep and experience everything you can? In the meantime, you can trust me when I say that celebrating your age rather than fighting it can make you feel liberated.

So stand tall and proud, root yourself in what matters, embrace change, and know that you are beautiful no matter what. In other words, take a leaf out of the book of the tree.