Today is Love a Tree Day. I was drawn to this unique holiday for several reasons and I couldn’t have conjured up a better day for being outside and loving on a tree than this gorgeous spring day. The sunshine was plentiful and a strong breeze from the east cooled my skin while bringing incredible swirling energy to tease me.
Love a Tree Day is always celebrated on May 16. The purpose is to encourage people to get outside and show love and appreciation for trees and the benefits they provide. Trees give off oxygen. They provide shade, protection, beauty, fruit, and warmth. The huge maple tree that recently came down near my backyard has even provided wonderful, natural planters and simple garden stands for containers.
I do love trees. I am drawn to forests and a variety of individual trees and tree motifs. Walking among trees grounds and centers me. I have journals featuring trees on the covers, tree artwork, and jewelry with trees on it. I am surprised that the tree has not yet been a symbol for me during one of my themed years. I trust it will be, at the perfect time.
It was easy to find a tree to love on this afternoon. My favorite tree is the Redbud. In the spring brilliant red violet blooms adorn the branches of this compact tree. The leaves are heart shaped. And the tree maintains a lovely silhouette throughout its life.
After watering containers and planting a couple of herbs in the garden, I sat in the swing beneath the Redbud Tree in my front yard. The sweet eastern breeze whipped my hair around and kissed my neck and cheeks, making me smile. The Redbud shaded me, its leafy boughs swaying in the wind.
Looking upward into Redbud
It was so peaceful, sitting beneath Redbud’s green canopy. This tree survived the 2011 tornado that struck my Joplin neighborhood. Tragically, its companion on the other side of the yard did not. A six year old Redbud is growing taller each season where Old Redbud once stood. The tree sheltering me sustained damage, enduring twisted branches that have split. I am grateful each spring when the clusters of “red buds” appear, signifying life.
The teasing breeze…with its high energy…raised my vibrational frequency and my awareness. An idea came to me, whispered in my ear by the tree. I looked at Redbud speculatively. Oh, I couldn’t, could I? I shouldn’t. Or should I?
I became a tree climber at the age of four. Okay I actually climbed everything, and I was especially fond of trees. I am at heart a loner. When I craved solitude as a child, I scampered up a tree…the higher the better. The neighborhood kids rarely followed me up a tree. I would sit cradled by bark covered arms, hidden by leaves, and daydream, think and reflect.
Redbud’s invitation to me this afternoon was to climb.
It has been many, many years since I climbed a tree. I turned the invitation over in my mind. Should I? The idea appealed to me strongly. However, I have a trip coming up next week. I didn’t want to risk an injury. I am healthy and fit. But I am no longer a child.
How sad if on this day of showing love to my favorite tree, I refused its invitation to play. I climbed.
I loved being in that tree! How exhilarating. How mindful I was that a year ago, I wouldn’t have attempted such a feat, couldn’t have done so, physically. My inner child whooped with joy. My middle aged self smiled…and could have stayed, sheltered by Redbud, for hours.
I am grateful for the invitation and that I accepted it. Seated on a branch, I sent waves of love to Redbud. The scars it bears are testaments of strength, endurance, and perseverance. They are beautiful. I hugged a rough branch and offered thanks.
My grandchildren enjoy climbing this tree. I sent them the pic above, via my son and daughter-in-law’s phones. The kids responded with an Awwww and then asked their mom Why?
Megan’s response? ‘Cause she can!
That’s right! I can. And I did. I was invited. That’s all it took.
