The solace of nature
and especially the solace of trees, is a well described feeling. One of the few
Christian bible verses that I know resonates for me because of that feeling.
"I will lift mine eyes unto the hills whence cometh my help."
We lift our eyes to
the hills, if they are within view; to the trees, if we have any, or to
the sky, if we can see it. We lift our gaze above our surroundings, above that
which troubles us.
I found myself outside
last night. It was cool and damp with a light misty rain falling. It was the
golden hour, that time when the sun, an hour or so before sunset, gleams,
slanting across the city, under the cloud cover. Last night, the very air was
golden, the trees glowing.
I don't understand the
how and why of acts of terror. I truly believe that most people's wish is to
live in peace, free to pursue their dreams. I can’t understand how blowing
up innocent people furthers anyone’s aims.
And, you know
what? I don’t want to understand
that. I don’t want that knowledge in my
head. I’m ok with remaining ignorant of
the why and the how of acts of terror.
Some things are better not known.
I do know this. When we are shocked or stunned or grieving for
any reason, spending some time outside, breathing deeply of the evening air,
meditating, watching the wind move the leaves of a beautiful tree, we begin to
heal.
