What Trees Have Taught Me

About roots and connections

Hi.

That’s me standing next to my favorite creek in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever lived- Sedona, AZ. Every time I look at this picture I feel so tiny in comparison to the great big beauty surrounding me. I remember this day with fuzzy clarity- Ben and I were celebrating an anniversary at our favorite rental cabin, Junipine. We were exploring the property and Ben snapped this picture of me. I remember feeling the most at home around all those trees.

One of my most favorite things about trees is how connected they all are. You can’t always see the connections because they run deep underground in their roots. It’s there in the roots where communication happens - warnings and nurturing. So many unseen subtle ways they show us how deep connections are possible.

I’ve been looking for connections like that my entire life. I’m lucky to have a few, but I’m constantly on the hunt for more. I have loved trees and people for as long as I can remember. Both remind me to always keep searching for the good in life. Sometimes I don’t always see it, sometimes I encounter those whose good is so deeply hidden it makes me wonder if it exists. And maybe for some it doesn’t, which always makes me curious and a little bit sad.

In the end, I’m not interested in the surface of people- I care about the roots and guts of us. The stories that make us who we are, that’s where connections live.

Most days, all I can think about is how all I want to do with my life is tell stories and connect with humanity, and live as close to the trees as possible. Isn’t that what we’re all trying to do anyway? Maybe not all of us are, but I think most of us want that. Because at the roots of everything and everyone is the need for connection. It’s what keeps us nurtured and alive.

Like it or not - we need each other. The same way the trees do.

I originally shared this when I was first writing here in 2023. I added some edits today, but left most of it as is.

Thanks for being here friends. I appreciate you so very much.

Xoxo- Mesa