Stand tall and proud,
Go out on a limb,
Remember your roots,
Drink plenty of water,
Be content with your natural beauty,
and enjoy the view.
So many lessons to learn from trees, eh? And what excellent advice. Here is a tree that seems to be living it.
There are tree huggers. But I like to call this one the Hugger Tree.
I’ve been watching this tree for almost eighteen years now and every time I see it, it always seems to me to be holding out its arms and saying, come home, and just breathe…everything will be absolutely okay!
You’d think I’d have taken a selfie with the tree, right? Okay that only just occurred to me and I’ll do it the next time I meet it.
The trunk is uniquely knobbled, as if already sheltering souls that needed soothing. The arms–branches spread wide and welcoming, as if inviting passersby to take shelter and receive a warm hug. The ambiance is beautiful, serene and calm with the earth covered in grass and random flowering plants. Other flowering trees in the vicinity shower their petals and fruit, as if paying homage to this hugger tree and appreciating it–for just being.
I freak out just a little each time there’s a thunderstorm–this tree has seen many of those–as some weak branches break and fall to the ground. But even they have a purpose. They go back to the earth, to their roots and compost into the soil. And the tree? Simply stands strong at its core–as if to say, I’m here for you…no matter what the weather, you’re always welcome into my arms and rest.
Did you notice how easy the tree is to climb on to? Don’t you love that?
My favorite time to meet this tree is in the afternoon. Warm sunshine. Gentle breeze. Buzzing of butterflies and other critters. Sometimes I walk down to the cafe for a coffee or lunch and walk back to it. Feels so peaceful just to stand and stare at it.
It reminds me of my Mom. Unconditional love. ♥
Do you have someone like that in your life? Family? Friend(s)?
I’d love to know.
♥
#ThursdayTreeLove is hosted by Parul of Happiness and Food. Do join us.
15 comments
The tree vantage point sums it up Vidya. If you be a tree, you cannot help but to be happy, healthy and prospering in life. Big fan of staying grounded at all times. Keep rooted. Be in the moment. But, in your grounded-ness, reach out, with your limbs. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ryan
Thank you Ryan! Beautifully said! Imagine a world where more and more people were like that!
By the way, I now look forward to your comment every time I publish! Thank you for making my day!
Absolutely! Trees give unconditionally to humans and its us who take them for granted. To me, this tree seems very strong and comforting… Thanks for sharing 🙂
Oh I think all trees are big huggers, and I love them all!
You are right! Thank you!
Wow! Loved reading your post. Is it close to where you live? And as I read the post I kept going back to the image to get a feel of your thoughts.
Thank you Janaki. Yes, it is close to where I live.
Vidya Sury recently posted…8 Tips to Reset Your Child’s Back to School Sleep Schedule
The tree is indeed unique and your thoughts about it are wonderful 🙂
Thank you, Anamika! Love that campus!
I love hugging trees – now I found one that will hug me right back, perhaps. What a find. The name is perfect.
Loved that you term it the hugger tree :)… Unconditionally these trees do give, and a wonderful sight they are. The warmth through their shade and the breeze that they give. all unconditionally …
Love that name and love that tree. It sure would be easy to climb. I am so glad you joined, Vidya! Makes me so happy 🙂
Parul Thakur recently posted…Gratitude List – May 2018
Thank you for hosting this, Parul. I love trees and it is exciting to share my photos!
Awesome 🙂 vidya the tree truly reflects motherly qualities – embrace everyone, providing space for a hug and standing strong with such broad trunk… loved your reflections… its so important to have people who can love us unconditionally – yes I miss my mom too…thanks for sharing.
G Angela recently posted…Tree love—35
That’s interesting to have a tree that reaches out to hug you ! There are trees that do seem to have human characteristics . For instance some dead old trees remind me of an old person who is reaching out with withered arms .