My Reflections:
Have you ever walked through the woods and felt compelled to touch a tree? I feel that way often, especially with big, old, gnarled, wise-looking trees…much like this old oak that I captured during a walk on a mild afternoon this past February. We came upon her after rounding a bend in the trail, my tiny son (10 months old at the time) pointed excitedly. There she stood, her twisted trunk and massive branches spreading in all directions and towering over the other trees nearby. I was drawn to her, to place my hand on the trunk, feel the ridges of her bark…to make a connection with her. She’s adorned with lichen. She has been in this place for a long time and, no doubt, has witnessed much change on the landscape around her up to this point. The least I could do was capture her image and suspend it in time, a portrait of such a strong, wise, seasoned old spirit.
Mother Nature’s Voice:
“The old oak tree provides a lesson about growth. A strong foundation is needed to support heavy, majestic branches reaching out and up for the sun, reaching for its highest potential. This journey takes an entire lifetime. Great patience and faith are required; the oak does this with grace. During its lifetime, the oak is a witness to time, to process, to the natural cycle of all life. It is both observer and participant in the continuous change, the evolution through many seasons, some harsh and some sweet.”
“Growth takes time and patience to become that which one is meant to be. It is a long journey, with many bends, twists, and slow periods along the way. Yet the end result, after many seasons of growing, is a beautiful miracle. The strength, the wisdom, the growing into life purpose through the many years, is the biggest lesson and greatest reward. Every moment gives a gift, an insight; every moment makes the oak the being it is.”
Photo specs:
- Camera Nikon D90
- F-stop f/5.6
- Exposure 1/125 sec
- ISO ISO-200
- Exposure bias O step
- Focal length 28 mm
- Max aperture 3.5
Finding the Spirit of Nature 
Love the analogy of the tree with the strong foundation necessary for growth.
Me too! I had a hard time in sorting out the information I received about this image while in meditation, simply because so much came through. But after a few days, I was finally able to distill out the message and feel confident that I captured what was intended by Spirit to be conveyed. Ma Nature is full of nuggets of wisdom, she’s just waiting for people to take the time to listen 🙂
Being a tree hugger from way back, I love way you “honor” the spirit of the tree. Old trees like the one in your photo have such an amazing energetic vibration! They have “seen” so much! Thank you! Your work is admirable!
Thanks, Mary! I’m glad you like the post. From the time I was a small child, I’ve felt that trees have their own unique personalities and they just wait patiently for someone to stop and connect to them, to listen to their stories. I appreciate so much any time I can spend in the woods checking out the trees.
Shannon, I had no idea that you were blogging these days. Way to get out there, I know it was a big step for me!
Taking photographs of trees/forests is a challenge especially when one would like to convey the emotional charge to an observer. Trees, especially old ones, carry the secrets life that’s passed by. I’ve found that the feeling or ambiance around an individual tree can vary greatly. Trees are the great Vanguard, everwatchful of what transpires. Love the black and white!
Hey Jon!
Yep, I took the blogging step and I still actually haven’t shared it with my wider circle of family and friends. Just a little self-conscious I guess, about how people will react to the information and images. It’s such a personal journey, and opening yourself up to others is such a huge step in facing your own vulnerability. So here’s to being courageous! Thanks for checking out my stuff, dude. I follow yours and just love what you’re doing!