By Mara Freeman
One of the most essential teachings of Celtic spirituality is that the natural world is radiantly alive and sentient. To walk among trees is to reconnect with our deep ancestral roots in the forest. To look through the spiraling branches of a giant redwood is to contemplate a living mandala; to gaze at the colors of a maple in autumn is to witness the ever-changing canvas of a sublime artist.
Trees can help clear our minds from the frenzy of our fast-track lives, inspire our thoughts, calm our emotions and fill us with serenity. They are elders on this planet who embody an ineffable wisdom that they will share with us if we but seek it out. I find that just a short while spent in the presence of certain trees can make me feel soothed and relaxed, as if the tree itself is gently helping me put my fears and anxieties into a broader perspective...
