The Superpowers of Trees
It seems to me that we all have superpowers. From one perspective every form on this planet is a gift that is being shared. In my view this means we all have something or several things that are naturally easy for us. Ways of being, how we move or speak, actions we take or don’t take. Every organism, every showing on this planet has something, some unique new purpose that fits perfectly in the constantly changing dance of life in this expanding universe.
The challenge, in any given moment, is to observe and honor that life and the unique gift or super power that it offers up while it is here. Appreciation and gratitude are two ways that we can practice seeing and honoring these gifts.
Several months ago I went on a full moon hike with a new friend. We didn’t know each other but our paths overlapped in several ways and the idea of going on a hike under the watchful gaze of the moon sounded like a nice way to get to know each other.
At one point during our hike we found ourselves sitting up on a flake of rock overlooking the lights of the city and the expansive creations of humanity below. So many lights glowing below us. We even saw a large flash of flame far off in the distance, from what was likely a gas well. Impressive how easily our species has managed to light up the night sky.
Looking back toward the rock and a much less glaring sky to the west, I noticed that we were sitting next to a small Juniper. Amazingly this little tree was growing out of a small crack in the rock formation we were sitting on. It was low, maybe a couple feet tall and full of berries. It looked so happy and healthy in the glow of the moonlight. I thought,” Wow, how amazing that this little tree can grow in what seems like such an inhospitable and resource scarce place like the crack between these rocks.” I wondered what it was like for this little Juniper.
I imagined, giving this tree human speech, that it might say,” Well thank you for appreciating me and my beautiful form, but really this is very easy for me. It’s just what I do. I was born to be in this place growing out of this crack and I find it quite lovely.”
This little tree seemed to be generously offering up its berries, which are actually modified cones with thick fleshy scales, as a gift. As if it was waiting for a hungry bird or perhaps a curious human to pluck them off and carry them to some distant spot in the hopes of creating new life.
I was reminded of how many times I have seen small Junipers growing at the base of large trees in peoples yards. Likely planted in the droppings of a bird who visited the tree. The intelligence of our planet and the beings that have learned to thrive here are amazing.
This intelligence and wisdom has come about over millions of years and it has much to teach us if we can slow down, listen and observe.
As we run around doing what we do, building, creating, destroying and lighting up the night sky we have an opportunity to stop and observe and honor the life that surrounds us. What are the amazing super powers that come so easily to others that we notice and appreciate?
Maybe you’ll encounter a new friend or a Juniper tree that you are sitting next to? It just might enjoy hearing how much you appreciate its unique super powers.
