Brooke

Trees connect with each other via an underground network of fungi. Trees connect with each other energetically (fun way to be part of this research tree rhythms. net). As we walk amongst the old giant firs of the northwest I breathe in spores from the fungi and the trees, and feel the calming embrace of nature surrounding me. Science has tried to teach me we are all separate organisms fighting for survival. But my soul believes we are not separate but meant to be connected; that we are not meant to dominate but to connect, inspire and support each other just like the trees.

So many trees have been damaged by bugs (much the same way our own disrupted microbiomes create an environment ripe for disease and disruption), and fire and drought. I used to feel sadness to see these trees clinging to survival. But as I see my 80 year old blind father carefully feel his way down the side of a muddy hill and climb over boulders into the healing and living waters of Mother Earth at Cougar Hot Springs……I can’t help but wonder if the healthier trees are not as inspired as I am by the willingness to keep on, to show others life can be perfectly beautiful as long as you allow it to be.

A couple of years ago after the worst freeze I had ever seen in Texas, many trees around our home struggled to survive. I thought it was sad that some trees seemed to take all the life and energy from the weaker trees. But then Ron said, “maybe the weak ones give what they have left so the others can live”.

Maybe it is the self less love and connection we are born to be, that can only become greater in the next generation if we share it.

After returning to Portland Brooke ani I had planned to ski the next day. My heart was torn between skiing and being the same brilliant example of perseverance my father had been the day before; and something else. It is sometimes hard to listen to your heart when you’re not sure what your heart really wants. We thought we might prefer a spa day, but while at the mineral infused soaking pool, the skies parted and we were planning our next adventure.

The best hikes along the Columbia River Gorge tend to run straight up the side of a mountain, and if you’re lucky enough to not hike in the rain, trails are often still slick and muddy. Healers talk about releasing negative past experiences, but I think it is equally important that I reteach my cells the positive experiences with every new adventure.

My soul bursting with joy surrounded by so many powerful waterfalls…above, below, beside and all around me. My senses so full it cannot be captured in a photo.

We parked at Beacon Rock and hiked up to Hardy Falls. The sun had invited us but abandoned us as we hit the trail. I hope the trees and my daughter could feel the joy in my soul, because their presence was definitely a present to me.

My daughter may not see or feel the world exactly like me, but is that not what makes life so beautiful? If everyone was like me; if the soil, the plants and animals had cells that sang the same frequencies as my own, then what delicious vibrations would there be to feed my soul? I believe there is purpose behind our connections.