Rooted in Wisdom

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May 31, 2026

Old Chinkapin Oak Tree - Muddy River, Fenway, Boston, MA

“Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.” – St. Bernard

I first started talking to trees at a two-week shamanic training, deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Why I thought I had any business joining an intensive group of international shamanic practitioners—with almost no training of my own—is still a mystery to me.

But earlier that year, a psychic looked me deep in the eye and mysteriously proclaimed, “You are meant to be taking shamanic courses.”

To which I replied, “What’s that?”.

It sounded mystical and magical, like something my Catholic parents would have referred to uneasily in hushed tones: “We don’t know about That.”

So I was intrigued.

And showed up ridiculously naive, wide-eyed and innocent, introducing myself to my seasoned cohort as:

“I’m brand new!, Don’t know anything about this! Really curious! What are we going to do here?!”.

The Tarot refers to this state of being as the Fool (also the wisest card in the deck)… Otherwise known as: Beginners’ mind.

Talking to trees is not a learning as much as a Remembering….

(spoiler alert - read down to the end to be guided through a simple process to help you remember).

This is not a treatise on Shamanism.

But at the root of shamanism is animism…

The understanding that the natural world is alive, conscious and filled with Spirit.

Trees, rivers, stones, animals, and wind aren’t just scenery; they’re beings we’re meant to be in relationship with - to learn from, give to and communicate with.

Our ancient ancestors—your ancient ancestors—understood that the physical and spiritual worlds are deeply intertwined.

They knew how to live in reciprocal harmony with both worlds…

Fostering a deep sense of health (including mental health), trust, connection and belonging.

That wisdom is still in your DNA .

We just need to re-member how to re-activate it.

“Our DNA still recognizes the forest and wild areas as home. And as a home, the forest is a place of healing.” - Amos Clifford, Founder of Association of Nature & Forest Therapy

Trees in particular were considered “conscious elders”; the ancient record keepers, because they outlive the generations and hold the knowledge.

And because of this, they were courted for their wisdom. And healing powers.

But no healthy relationship is one-sided…the trees and the land need us to connect, love and communicate with them too.

We share genetic material with the trees, as The Smithsonian Human Origins Program is showing.

They are our kin - and they are waiting for a visit.

Talking to the Trees

Back to our shamanic group, who quickly connected with the trees and the land.

We were guided to find a tree, visit awhile, listen, and then ask for guidance on a question we were carrying in our hearts.

It could have been 20 minutes or 2 hours but I was given the most beautiful elevated perspective on a challenge I’d been facing and as I rose to rejoin the group…

The whole landscape shimmered vibrantly alive with the most vivid, delicious color, and there were sparkles of Light… everywhere.

I felt a kind of deep peaceful joy I hadn’t experienced in a very long time.

And no…there were no drugs involved.

Skepticism can be good

In case you think this is just for the wide-eyed, unicorn-loving crowd…

A few years ago, I was asked to lead a Forest Therapy walk for a group of students at an east coast University.

The experience ended with an invitation to find a tree or stone to sit with and ask if it had a message for them.

A young science major went off with a bit of an eye roll and a healthy dose of skepticism…

And then returned literally vibrating with energy and enthusiasm.

She launched into an animated share beginning with, “I still don’t know if we can really communicate with trees and stones” followed by a glowing description of how,

“The rock just told me everything I need to know about what I was worrying about, about graduating and my worry about what to do with my life - it was amazing! And I feel so calm now!”

Who were the Shamanic Practitioners?

It’s worth mentioning here that a large number of attendees in that shamanic intensive were long-time practicing psychotherapists and psychologists.

Many were respected and experienced therapists with 20, 30 or even 40 years in the field.

I was fascinated and asked each of them separately….”Why are you here?”.

Each responded the same way.

Through years of practice, they found that traditional therapy could help their clients tremendously…to a certain point.

Eventually, many clients reached a place they couldn’t move beyond.

By accessing the wisdom of the natural and Spirit world, they were able to help their clients reach the deeper roots of pain buried in the subconscious; opening the door to a more ancient, profound kind of healing.

What does your Soul say?

The Institute for Health tells us mental health disorders are now the number one cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 1.1 billion people.

There are literally thousands of studies linking time in Nature to improved mental health.

But here’s the thing…

Our heart knows the way home.

Anxiety, Lethary, Rumination happen for many reasons.

One of those reasons is that:

Our souls know of a more ancient way of being on the Earth…

And is longing for a return to the wisdom, connection & belonging of those ways.

What I know for me is:

Spending at least an hour a day in Nature = Creative Sparks, Peace, Vitality, Energy & Flow
Not spending time in Nature = lethargy, inexplicable sadness, overthinking & low level anxiety

How does your Soul respond?

Is there a question in your heart, you’d like guidance on?

Here’s a simple way back to the wisdom beneath the noise.

Wander for a bit and ask to be led to a tree who would like to connect with you. Don’t “think” what tree would be good. Let your heart find it for you.
Introduce Yourself!
- Don’t just plop down and start chattering about what you need!
Ask Permission…”Can I sit with you?” is a good start.
Bring a little something - a gift - something small & beautiful is best…a pretty shell, a lovely berry, something you made… You know…a hostess gift.
Give before Taking.
Sit quietly with your Tree until your mind stops going a million miles a second.
Then ask an open-ended question… like, “Can you please give me insight into…x?”.

Or maybe…
“What do you want me to remember, about being alive now?”
Be open. Curious. Respectful. Say, “Please tell me more!”
Writing your answers in a journal can be useful.
And when you’re ready to leave, remember to say Thankyou.

It just so happens that June 1 marks the Festival of the Oak Nymph.

Not an ancient festival but a more modern celebration honoring hamadryads (female nature spirits who reside inside oak trees).

The Oak was one of the most revered trees known for it’s endurance, deep wisdom, protection and seen as a conduit to the Divine, bridging heaven and earth.

Not a bad ally to have in these times.

And a good day to visit a tree!

How do you Connect with the Wisdom of Nature?

Join the Conversation

Something powerful happens when you put your thoughts to written word. It grounds you and contributes to others.

If it resonates, please take a moment to reflect & share in the comments: your experience communicating with the natural world.

We never know the impact of our words and how yours might light the way for someone else today!

“What do you want me to remember, about being alive now?”

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