by Avril Woodward
We were 36 women on a recent seminar near Heathrow airport. Inspired by a suggestion that we should visit an ancient yew tree in the vicinity, we set off on day 4 of 5. It was a beautiful warm day. We were driven to our destination in 5 pristine mini buses and a lone taxi. Our 6 designated drivers becoming curiouser and curiouser. It turned out to be an adventure as we got lost, caused a grid-lock in someone’s private driveway and eventually found the car park we were looking for. The drivers were animated at this point and dropped us off asking when we would like to be picked up and informing us that they were fasting and needed to be home by nightfall (Ramadan). As it was only 3 o’clock in the afternoon we assured them that there would be no problem.
It was a circular route from the said car park to the tree and we happily set off following the map we had downloaded from the internet. A very pleasant walk through fields, past little water holes and through kissing gates, (which took a while as most insisted on the ritual). We finally reached ‘our tree’ in all its magnificent glory with its gnarled trunk and branches forming magical mystery shapes and configurations. It was ‘awesome’ to say the very least. To our surprise and you could say delight, we not only found our tree but also our 6 drivers. It was apparent by their beaming faces, which were partly due to having beaten us to it, that they were somewhat impressed.
It turned out that the tree was much closer to the car park than the map had indicated. Our drivers had decided to wait for us and asked a passing dog walker if she knew anything about an ancient tree in the area. The helpful lady had told them that it was a circular walk to the tree but why didn’t they just go ‘over there’ (she indicated), as it was much quicker. So they did.
It has been said that trees are sentient beings and ancient trees, this one being around 2,500 years old, hold the wisdom of the universe. I had been taught years ago that it is possible for us to commune with trees, giving up our negative energy or asking for help or to be given a sign about something. I wouldn’t call myself a tree hugger as such but I have experimented with this teaching in the past and have had some interesting experiences. Anyway, getting back to the story. As we held hands and surrounded the tree (well it seemed appropriate), a silence fell. We put our hands on the tree, gave it our blessing and asked for its blessing in return. There was something very sacred and magical that happened there and then. For myself I asked for some guidance with something I had been struggling with and the response I got took my breath away. I can’t speak for others but I know that something special happened that sunny afternoon somewhere near Heathrow airport.
We have no idea about the powers of the universe. Well obviously we do have some given ‘our tree’ experience. I truly believe that if we open our hearts and minds and allow ourselves to entertain the possibility that nature in all its forms is at one with us, (or rather we are at one with it), then truly magical and, I dare to say, spiritual experiences are available to us. I invite you to take a break from the busyness of your day and commune with nature. Yes, I mean today. You don’t have to hug a tree but you could lean your back against one and reflect a little. You could be in for a delightful surprise.
Getting back to our drivers, they had so much fun watching us in our little ritual. I could only imagine the conversation with their families at dinner that night as they broke their fast for the day!
I found this poem which I feel aptly captures ‘our tree’
ODE TO AN OLD SOUL
By Charlotte Smith
0 magnificent Yew,
In your majesty you reign supreme.
The sunlight filters through your swaying branches,
Your dark green needles tremble in the wind,
Your trunk with its reddish, flaking bark is
so distinctive against the blue of the sky.
From early morning till night, your massive, squat
form is a unique sight.
Standing so alone, without any of your kind for
companionship or sharing of illumined thoughts -
Was it always so?
Tell me of the time when you once held court over
growing saplings, teaching them the ways of the
ancient trees.
I watch you through the changing seasons,
and my heart glows.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter:
yet you are evergreen and as solid and dependable as
Nature made you.
Wise, wise Yew,
What divine power guides your very life-force?
For there is a spiritual intelligence within you
that is so alive and omnipotent.
I will leave you now but I will return again soon,
for Old Souls need love and compassion to match
their years.
I can never give you all you deserve, but I can give
you all I have and so I shall,
as long as we are friends in this life and the next.