I'm standing on the root of a Juniper Tree, my Journal open under the shade from its heavy, twisted branches stretching in every direction, and I have no desire to write. The view of our Valley, the warmth of the sun, the sound of wind whipping through the forest, is all so alive that it lulls the senses and calms the imagination.
Each time I hike this mountain and visit my quiet companions I learn something new. What can these silent trees possibly teach?
G.K. Chesterton, said that it's one thing to be amazed at a gorgon or a griffin, creatures which don't exist, but appear as if they do... but it's quite another and much more transformative thing to be amazed at a rhinoceros or giraffe, creatures which do exist, but appear as if they don't. Chesterton might have said the same thing about Disney's Tree of Life vs the massive Juniper Tree I stand under now.
Imagine the forces of nature that shaped this tree. Not only has it survived the elements for hundreds of years, but it has done so with quiet confidence and elegance.
Alan Watts suggested if you're going to write, "write like you're a death row inmate and the governor is out of the country and there's no chance for a pardon... and please, for God's sake, tell us something that will save us from ourselves."
Well, here goes.
I'm convinced the quality of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts, and the quality of your thoughts depends on your sense of wonder.
We expand our sense of wonder by noticing things with greater appreciation and fascination, whether it's lifting a rock and discovering the life beneath, or staring at the stars above on a clear, cloudless night.
Notice this Juniper Tree we stand under now. It's astonishing by every measure. It's a testament to survival in the harshest conditions. It doesn't seek external validation. It's fully present, tolerant, commanding, and alive.
Lucky is the person mesmerized by the previously unseen fascinations of a familiar world.
Our quiet companion reminds us to master the art of enjoying the moment.
Quiet time gives us time to recharge and reconnect with our surroundings. It gives us a chance to notice the little things... such as the soft, flaky bark of the tree, the neon green moss, the Medusa-like branches twisting and snarling like mythological snakes.
Our quiet companions remind us to pay attention to ourselves too, the things that matter most, including our sense of dignity and self worth.
"There will always be someone who can't see your worth," said Mel Robbins,
"Don't let it be you."
I believe if you focus on the elements of wonder, remain curious, and reconnect with nature, good things will follow.
"Sell your cleverness and purchase bewilderment." ~ Rumi
At the very least, the lesson of our quiet companion teaches us to open our minds to new visions of our world. Through our growing sense of wonder and appreciation, we discover what a beautiful world our world actually is.
At best, the lesson of our quiet companion teaches us to slow down and listen more to ourself. No wise man is waiting on top of the mountain to improve the quality of your life. The only person that can do that is you. The majesty of the Juniper Tree says without saying: "You're the one you've been waiting for."
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I’m Michael Kennedy, Olympic Valley, CA resident, married to Nicola Kennedy (in photo above). I’m a writer, photographer, lover of nature, and property caretaker. I just want to say thanks for your attention - I appreciate it in such a noisy world. If you enjoyed it, please share with others. It means a lot to me and it helps others see the story.
If you're interested in owning any photos in my gallery: click here, call or text me at 530.608.9150 with inquiries. My email: michael.kennedy999@gmail.com.
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