Celebrating a New Year for Trees: What a Tree Can Teach Us

Let us celebrate life, growth, and the beauty of the turning seasons. And let’s remember to keep our heart and mind open to allow good things to come in. As the Chinese proverb goes: “If you keep a green tree in your heart, perhaps the singing bird will come.” The Jewish holiday Tu B’shevat begins today at sundown. It is a holiday that marks the birthday of the trees. To get into the holiday spirit, I’d like to share the poem Advice from a Tree, which is one of my favorite poems. I received it beautifully printed and framed as a gift, and it seems to captures all the advice I’ll ever need as learned from the wisdom of a tree.

Advice from a Tree

Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!
~ Ilan Shamir

Let us celebrate life, growth, and the beauty of the turning seasons. And let’s remember to keep our heart and mind open to allow good things to come in. As the Chinese proverb goes: “If you keep a green tree in your heart, perhaps the singing bird will come.”