Earth Day 2010

As I entered the emerald shadiness of Schmitz Park Preserve, my eyes took a moment to adjust. And when they did, I could hardly believe what I saw. Hundreds of strong tree limbs like arms reaching out towards me. A combination of welcoming beckoning and intense need. It was shocking, like walking amongst beggars in the streets of Delhi. Immediately, tears came to my eyes for although this was a joyful day of celebrating the Earth, I could not for a moment forget the dire straits we find outselves in environmentally. I acknowledged them respectfully, sent light and blessings and moved on clumsily through the leaf kaldeidoscope.

I used one natural wooden walking stick (like a small tree itself) and a pink metallic cane to compensate for my lame left ankle. Long dark green silk coat blowing around and bright blue backpack, I must have looked a strange sight.

It was like Dorothy off to Oz because I acquired some companions along the way. I turned at the sound of Kat's dogs' tags jingling up behind me and we greeted each other warmly. I was so heartened to have a friend along. As we approached the "Four Directions" path intersection, I first saw the trappings of ritual on the bench - a candle, a prayer pouch, a bottle of Florida water like the kind I used in ceremony in Peru. Then I saw her, a woman with her forehead pressing against a huge cedar, one palm flat against the tree, another holding a rattle comprised of what looked like a shofar with goat toes dangling from it. It was Leslie, a new friend sent here by Rose to sing to the trees with us. She packed up her sacred objects and the three of us continued up the path toward the tree I'd selected last month.

Together, we created a wonderful space of singing & stillness, flute and breath in the presence of huge old Grandfather Cedar Tree. I listened and heard. "Don't stop with this," Grandfather Tree whispered urgently. "Come back again - don't let it end with just this one day." I agreed. The three of us toned our hearts together for him.

And, Grandfather Tree sang back to us! We used Earth Ohm tuning forks to nurture him, placing them gently around the base and on the bark. When I touched the forks to a powerful spot, the sound amplified and came back to me much louder and more resonant. Joy!

We celebrated an amazing rich and precious midday. Tree mitzvot - good stuff!

I prayed for trees and the trees heard,

heard our song, felt our hearts.

I prayed for trees and the trees heard,

and peace came over the land.

And peace came over the land.