" Trees have from time immemorial been closely associated with magic. These stout members of the vegetable kingdom may stand for as long as a thousand years, and tower far above our mortal heads. As such they are symbols and keepers of unlimited power, longevity, and timelessness. An untouched forest, studded with trees of all ages, sizes and types, is more than a mysterious, magical place - it is one of the energy reservoirs of nature. Within its boundaries stand ancient and new sentinels, guardians of the universal force which has manifested on the the Earth ..."- Scott Cunningham, Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magick"A tree uses what comes its way to nurture itself. By sinking its roots deeply into the earth, by accepting the rain that flows towards it, by reaching out to the sun,the tree perfects its character and becomes great. ... Absorb, absorb, absorb. That is the secret of the tree." Deng Ming-Dao, Everyday Tao, 1996
In class, the lecture and discussions from 9/29/2009 were energized by some images Professor Yellow Bird presented to the class. This seemed to be a controversial approach used by Professor Yellow Bird, because some of the images he used were very strong in nature and stirred some personal emotions and reactions from the class. Using images and other media (video, radio, television) are very effective tools to communicate to the masses. They can also be used as weapons to manipulate and misinform people. This is not a new concept for some of us.
I think it is so important to critically think about the images and information we are presented in our daily lives. Because, there's usually some one or some group delivering these messages. I also find it crucial to ask ourselves, "What's their intentions?" with an open and critical frame of mind?
Am I just preaching to the choir? I do want to sum up this experience with this: Look at images with no attachments! Maybe this is impossible, because we have thoughts rooted by so many belief structures. But try it some time. I practice seeing in nature. Sometimes there might be a symbol, message, sign or omen out there. Sometimes there's nothing and my mind can just rest for a moment and be present. And sometimes, I tap into creative thought and exercise underdeveloped parts of my brain. I started this post with an image of a fallen redwood tree (I'm aware attaching quotes seems hypocritical to my point of no attachments. I justified it, by thinking it would generate thought).
~I find our redwood forests to be so special and sacred. What an amazing resource and blessing to live with such ancient beings. As social workers and community members, I hope a natural setting could be used more as a neutral ground for community action and change.~
Beautifully put.
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