Life Lessons I’ve Learned From Trees
What advice would a tree offer if it could speak? Would it whisper words of patience and wisdom gained through centuries of standing tall, weathering storms, and watching the world change around it? Or might it share the secrets of its roots — buried deep and intertwined with the earth — connecting it to the pulse of the world?
Throughout my life and my books, trees have been more than just natural features; they have been companions, muses, and teachers. Each time I encounter a towering oak, a slender willow, or an ancient redwood, I am reminded that these silent beings are among our planet’s greatest storytellers.
Roots of a Lifelong Bond
My bond with trees began in childhood. I spent hours under the shade of a grand old ponderosa pine on my parents’ ranch in Colorado. I’d sit and wonder what tales it could tell — stories of Ute tribes who once roamed the land, fierce forest fires, or the pure joy of hearing a meadowlark’s trill. These musings rooted in me a love of trees that would grow deeper over the years.
I also remember a snow-covered day when I was very young. My mother, a geologist and a pantheist, patted a towering snowdrift and said, “Believe it or not, there are flowers under there. You won’t see them until springtime, but it’s true.” That moment held a lesson not just about the seasons, but about hope and resilience. The thought of delicate flowers thriving beneath heavy snow—hidden yet still alive—reminds me of trees and their unshakeable strength.
Years later, when I stood inside a redwood tree in Muir Woods, I felt the presence of something ancient and wise. Its hollowed trunk created a natural chamber that seemed to amplify my voice and surround me with its resonating vibrations. It felt like a big, encompassing hug—one that inspired The Ancient One, a novel that explores the mystical connection between trees and time.
The Wisdom Found in Stillness
When I’m in the wilderness, I am amazed by how nature invites us to feel both small and large at the same time. We can be humbled by the vastness of a star-strewn sky or the towering heights of a forest canopy. Yet, we are also part of that grand pattern. Being in nature connects us to something much larger than ourselves — to the cycles of growth and renewal, the changing colors of the seasons, and the whispers of creation that exist in every leaf and branch.
In nature, we find silence—true silence—that allows us to hear voices other than our own. The sigh of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and the creaking of a tree swaying in the breeze are reminders that life’s deepest lessons are often spoken softly. Listening closely, we can hear the ongoing dialogue of the world around us.
Trees possess a centeredness that we, as humans, often struggle to find. While we’re creatures of movement and change, trees remain firmly planted in one spot for decades, or even centuries. To be a sentient tree would mean being utterly present in every moment — rooted deeply in the earth, yet stretching toward the sky. This is a state of being that calls for a profound sense of place, not just physically but spiritually as well.
I often think of the patience trees embody. How they witness the passing of seasons, endure powerful storms, and still stand tall. They don’t rush or hurry; instead, they embrace time, allowing it to shape them into a greater version of themselves. That’s a lesson we could all learn—about staying grounded even amid turmoil and embracing the changes that life brings.
A Guide to Growth
Trees have taught me to slow down, breathe deeply, and find solace in stillness. Their branches reach out like open arms, inviting us to reconnect with the essence of life. They have also taught me to have hope and patience, like those unseen flowers buried beneath winter’s snow.
Every tree has a story, and every forest holds a wisdom that can inspire and guide us. Whether it’s the Tree of Avalon in The Merlin Saga or the mighty arboreal beings in The Ancient One, I try to weave these lessons into my stories. For trees, with their deep roots and reaching branches, remind us that to truly grow, we must be willing to stand strong, endure challenges, and reach toward the light.
So, the next time you find yourself near a tree, pause for a moment. Lean against its trunk or gaze up at its branches. Feel its quiet strength and let its silent advice speak to your soul. You might just find the answers you’ve been seeking — or perhaps, a reminder of the things you’ve always known.
