Until my early fifties, I never particularly noticed trees.
I was aware of them, more or less, in a taking-them-for-granted sort of way. I thought people who hug trees and people who go forest bathing were a bit weird.
Until my early fifties, when I moved to my little farm in the sun-drenched southwest of France and met Merlin. And his contemporaries: Morgana, Mephistopheles and Methusalem.
Meet Merlin, just shy of 300 years old.
I noticed Merlin first. It is difficult to miss Merlin, he is a majestic testament to the unrelenting passage of time, his massive trunk is thick and gnarled with the patterns of centuries etched into its bark. His bark, rough and deeply fissured, tells stories of countless rough winters, weathering storms, and basking in life-giving sunlight during endless summer days, here in the foothills of the Pyrenées mountains.
The tree surgeon I consulted speculated that he was at least 300 years old. 300 years ago, my farmhouse was home to more than one generation of vignerons, or winemakers, eking out a living on the edge of a dense, ancient forest, which still forms the eastern border of my little farm, just 2 km north of th the Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrims route.
Why am I talking to you about trees?
Because reconnecting with nature, particularly with trees, is a powerful stress management strategy. Trees are not just vital for the environment—they also have a profound impact on our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Spending time among trees dramatically helps us reduce stress. Trees offer us a direct connection to the natural world, reminding us that we are part of a larger ecosystem. By reconnecting with trees, we can feel more grounded and develop a deeper appreciation for the earth’s breathtaking beauty and innate wisdom. In doing so, we are inspired to protect and nurture our natural environment, ensuring that future generations can also benefit from the life-giving presence of trees.
“Ancient trees are precious. There is little else on Earth that plays host to such a rich community of life within a single living organism.” — Sir David Attenborough
300 years ago, someone planted Merlin, or maybe he planted himself, near my house. Near enough to make his presence felt. Merlin can not be ignored, he commands the attention of all visitors, even those who did not notice trees until they met him.
Merlin’s roots run deep and spread far, anchoring him firmly in the fertile Gascon clay, drawing ample sustenance from the soil. Intertwining his roots with the roots of two lime trees nearby, Morgana and Methusalem, to form an underground network that speaks of silent communication and shared resilience. Leaning against Merlin’s trunk, I feel a profound sense of history and continuity, as if the tree itself is a bridge between the past and present, quietly witnessing the passage of time with a wisdom that only centuries of existence can bring.
I have grown attached to Merlin, like moss, and I can no longer imagine my life without him.
With his quiet strength and enduring presence, he reconnects me with all of nature. I often feel overwhelmed by the constant noise and demands of my world; Merlin constantly reminds me of the importance of being still, of simply being. The deep roots that anchor him to the earth, providing him with stability and nourishment, show me that grounding is essential for maintaining my emotional balance. Just as he relies on his roots to remain standing during storms, I also need stable connections with the world around me to stay grounded, especially in challenging times.
Reconnect with Nature’s Cycles of Growth
For 4 years now, I have watched Merlin go through the seasonal cycles of growth, shedding his leaves in the autumn, sleeping in winter, bursting into new leaves in the spring and providing shelter to a diverse community of critters and creatures in summer. This natural rhythm reflects the importance of honouring my own cycles of rest, renewal, and rebirth. If I am going to help my retreat guests cope with life’s challenges and changes, I need time to retreat and recharge my batteries, much like Merlin during the winter months, before I can blossom with new ideas in the spring. Personal growth is cyclical, we must allow ourselves time to shed what no longer serves us before we can embrace new beginnings.
Interconnected trees, like Merlin, Morgana, Mephistopheles and Methusalem urge us to remember the importance of nurturing our connections while maintaining healthy boundaries. Like trees, we can contribute generously to our surroundings without losing our sense of self.
Despite their inability to move out of harm’s way, trees are incredibly resilient. They endure harsh weather, adapt to changing environments, and continue to grow and prosper year after year, century after century. This resilience, combined with their quiet strength, offers a powerful metaphor for those of us who sometimes feel vulnerable in a fast-paced world. Trees show us that quiet strength is just as powerful as outward displays of force.
Reconnect with Nature when you are going through a Major Life Change
Battling my way through one major life change after another, Merlin, with his enduring presence, serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, perseverance and stability. When I stand in the shade of his expansive canopy, my arms reaching as far as they can around his trunk, I listen to the breeze rustling his leaves and absorb the strength that comes from being grounded, rooted in something larger than myself. This tree’s ability to withstand centuries of storms, droughts, floods and changes in its environment gives me the courage to endure my own life’s challenges. By observing the oak’s slow and steady, but unwavering growth, despite the storms, I feel reassured as I realise that like the tree, I too can weather life’s storms, grow through adversity, and emerge stronger after the winter. Merlin has taught me that even in the face of hardship, I can be patient, I can persevere and I can stand tall amidst the trials of life.
I’m going outside immediately to give him a hug.
What a tree!
Tree Sisters, Tree Advocates
You may have noticed at the very bottom of my website that I support two charities, one of them is TreeSisters. TreeSisters is a grassroots charity focused on empowering women to restore the planet by funding the planting of trees in tropical forests around the world. Their mission combines ecological restoration with social and cultural change, emphasizing the critical role women can play in the movement towards sustainability. Through their reforestation projects, TreeSisters not only helps to combat climate change by sequestering carbon, but also supports biodiversity, protects endangered species, and revitalizes ecosystems. Additionally, the charity is creating a global network of women who are encouraged to reconnect with nature, advocate for the environment, and take active roles in community-building.
Like TreeSisters, I believe that nurturing the earth and empowering women can go hand in hand, creating a positive impact on both people and the planet.
So when you come to a ReConnect with Nature Camino de Santiago walking retreat at this little French farm guarded by a small army of ancient trees, know that you are indirectly contributing to the planting of hundreds of trees all over the world.
“Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth.” ― Herman Hesse
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