The description on my "Wisdom of the Trees "calender for this month indicates that "Trees set a relaxed pace." It goes on to say, "Studies suggest that trees have the ability to curb road rage when they're planted in urban environments. Being enveloped by lush green lanes as opposed to stark surroundings that consist only of asphalt and concrete not only reduces drivers' blood pressure-it also reduces the perceived time it takes to get from one destination to the next."
How incredibly wise of them.
Much like the cuteness of babies makes you want to stick around and care for all of their many needs, the calming, placating effect of trees makes us want to have them around. The stewardship goes both ways. They purify our air and relax us, while we provide space for them to continue to grow and thrive.
They've got us wrapped around their sturdy limbs, haven't they?
The tree above is the Fortingall Yew in Perthshire, Scotland. It's estimated age is between 2,000-5,000 years. I'm sure it has some stories to tell. No doubt its charm, and calm, are a testament to its longevity. Perhaps that's the secret-the more we work towards helping others around us achieve a calm, relaxed state, the more charming we become, and the more lengthy lives we'll then lead, as they'll want to keep us around....
6 comments:
I've always said that the streets in the city w/out trees are way more hectic! Now you've given me scientific evidence!
Absoutely!
This is so true! My parents moved to a new home a few years ago and they chose it for the maple growing in the little back yard. That tree truly makes that whole house, it is gorgeous and inspiring in every season.
I can completely see how that's true! I also live in NC, surrounded by trees, and when I visited Oklahoma City for a few days last year I was in awe at the lack of trees. It definitely showed me just how much I love having lots of trees. :-)
Our large suburban block is planted out with trees that are as old as our "literally-falling down" house - a gnarly and knobbly plum tree (yum), 3 mulberry trees (lots of pies) and numerous other fruit trees that after 8 years we still haven't identified - the possums and fruit bats eat the fruit before we can! But the time is drawing closer to when we will start to build a new eco house here and some of these trees will have to go. I AM going to replace the ones lost with native flowering trees to keep all of the birds happy but my heart will really ache when the mulberry trees go. It will be one sad day here. Fruit bearing trees have a very special place in my heart and there is nothing more tasty than a mulberry pie!
so true...i remember leaving the flatlands of denver and heading home to the northwest and the comfort of big trees...always makes me breathe a little easier :)
ps here's the link on the beekeeper: http://kboo.fm/TheDirtbag
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