What can we learn from the trees?

A few words of wisdom to quiet a noisy world

Memory of Trees © Kathryn LeRoy

Hello friend,

My love of trees began as an adventurous climber who wanted to see how the squirrels and birds viewed the world. Despite my dislike of heights, I carefully scaled the trees with sturdy lower limbs, climbing as high as my courage would take me.

In the past few years, more books for adults and children have revealed the hidden mysteries of our forests and their sturdy protectors. I believe humankind has much to learn from our fellow trees.

They serve in ways we often take for granted, and our interdependence inextricably binds us to one another. Lita Judge grew up among the forested lands of Alaska. She shares her expertise and intimate connection with nature in The Wisdom of Trees (2023):

Although trees may seem like silent, independent organisms, they form a network buzzing with life: they talk, share food, raise their young, and offer protection. Trees thrive on diversity, learn from their ancestors, and give back to their communities. Trees not only sustain life on our planet—they can also teach us important lessons about patience, survival, and teamwork (back cover text).

Join me on a virtual walk through the trees and a few words for reflection.

Sunlight in the Pines © Kathryn LeRoy

"Trees are as close to immortality as the rest of us ever come."
― Karen Joy Fowler

Dressed for Fall © Kathryn LeRoy

"In a forest of a hundred thousand trees, no two leaves are alike. And no two journeys along the same path are alike."
— Paolo Coelho

The Black Willow © Kathryn LeRoy

"I feel a great regard for trees; they represent age and beauty and the miracles of life and growth."
― Louise Dickinson Rich

Age and Wisdom © Kathryn LeRoy

“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.”
— Alice Walker

Life in the Trees © Kathryn LeRoy

“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.”
— John Muir

You may not live near a forest, but search for any tree, look up, sit under its shade, watch the leaves drift, let go, and—breathe deeply.

If you can, plant a tree for the future, for a world we will never know.

I often see myself in the trees—windblown, gnarled, but strong and hopeful.

Lita Judge shares the making of The Wisdom of Trees, her first-hand knowledge of trees, and a few glimpses of her breathtaking watercolors of the forest.

Music for resting among the trees: Trees We’ll Never See by  Amy Grant; the mesmerizing The Memory of Trees by Enya, and because I have a favorite Black Willow, Paul McCartney’s Little Willow.

“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”
— Kahlil Gibran

“The one who plants trees knowing that he or she will never sit in their shade has at least started to understand the meaning of life.”
— Rabindranath Tagore

Winter Visitors © Kathryn LeRoy

If you would like to read more from me, visit my website. I’ll be there waiting for you.

With gratitude,

Kathryn

PS: You may have noticed this week’s post came 12 hours later than usual. I traveled this week and attended a virtual picture book writing conference today. Multi-tasking or trying to “do it all” wasn’t in the cards.

Thanks for rolling with me, reading, and always sharing your thoughts. I hope you find a few moments to breathe in the quiet peace under a shady tree.

---

I always welcome your thoughts, so please leave a comment or click the little heart—you can also respond to this email.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to forward this weekly note to someone who would enjoy a few words of inspiration.

Or if you received this from a friend and want to receive my weekly post,