Trees have traditionally played an important role in myth and magic. This comes to mind as we prepare for Georgia’s Arbor Day tomorrow and make the ground ready for dozens of donated trees we’ll be planting in a city park.
David Abram, in his wonderful book The Spell of the Sensuous, notes that when it comes to our interactions with the environment that when we chance to notice life around us–from Mockingbirds to American Elms to Red-Shouldered Hawks–we usually think of the natural world as something we see, hear, and sometimes touch. It seldom occurs to us that plants and animals also perceive us. We are a part of their experience.
As we race out to the car to head off for our next appointment, we’re too busy most of the time to be aware of everything that sees, hears and sometimes touches us.
I love forests! You’re gonna be planting trees? How exciting!
Plants are said to have a mental body. When people look at auras (emotional bodies) you can see it vividly on animals but not on plants. But plants are very smart and sure do communicate. There’s nothing like a walk in the park or forest to clear your head. One cute story is about a farm on which some animals were encased by a fence. One cow or some other form of ruminant, ha ha! – chewed on a nearby plant. In a few weeks half of the animals in this farm stall “kicked the bucket”. Turns out the nibbled plant sent chemical communication the the surrounding neighbouring plants and these plants in turn produced protective, self-preserving toxins in their leaves which poisoned the animals. Amazing story eh? [at least Fluid is excited
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I don’t remember where I read the article, but it explained in scientific terms how plants communicate with one another regarding weather, surrounding environment – there’s all sorts of biochemicals being fired, ha ha! – no localized brain – but plants certainly have a rich metal world
Fluid: Thanks for the visit and the great comments. That farm story goes in the category of “Hey, you’re not going to believe this?” Chopra and others have talked about communication at the cellular level. Mainstream science is discovering what mystics have long claimed. “Talk to the trees” sort of turned into a joking thing to say, but actually…
Yes, we plannted a lot of trees in the park today after making some announcements while standing next to a 140-year-old water oak.
Knightofswords,
Thanks for the reminder to stop and take in all that is around us. Sometimes we get too busy and take too much for granted. I know that as I venture out tomorrow your words will help me to take time to commune with and appreciate nature.
tobeme
David Abram’s book had a profound influence on me insofar as seeking integration with the rest of nature. Thanks for visiting and commenting.