Editor’s Note: To listen to and read past conversations with Elisa Novick on Planet Waves, please use this link. We’ll be publishing an article by Elisa each Sunday evening. You’re invited to visit her website and Facebook page. — Amanda
Ten years ago, walking down a mossy forest path I was met by a powerful wave of love emanating from a magnificent oak so profound that I began crying deeply with joy. I asked inwardly whether this was a teacher for me and was told that this was a partner with whom I could work anywhere in the galaxy!
I asked my inner guidance what level this tree was working spiritually according to the cosmology I use, and it was at a very high level. I was not surprised.
The trees are masters and can be teachers for those who wish to listen to them. When you were first in the woods with the oak, it reached out and took your hand (so to speak) and you fell in love with it. It loved itself in your eyes and came into life anew with grace issuing from its bark and its leaves.
I asked on my scale of one to ten of human intelligence (I’ve only met two people that registered at 10), what level of intelligence this tree was functioning at and was told it was at 16!
They are not stupid. You have to get past this idea that they are stupid. They are connected with all trees and can supply information and wisdom that you can use. Don’t forget that they are companions, placed here with you as partners, to be helpmeets and lovers. It is necessary to restore their bond with the people in order to see the Grand Plan for Earth and stars.
This began a journey that has taken me traveling through Earth and stars, into greater healing of self and planet, sharing the experience with those who’ve attended the Tree Love: Heart of the Forest workshops, and researching what others have learned, scientifically and spiritually, from trees. I’ve spent many hours talking with the guidance I call the Inner Master, and then in the last couple of years, with the trees themselves. I have learned that the universe is sentient, burgeoning with creativity, experimentation and love.
I am now engaged in the trees’ efforts to save humanity and all of life on our beautiful planet despite having lost over 80% of their own. Their generosity engenders in me such love tinged with sadness and regret, as well as wonder and gratitude.
Each tree has a unique personality and gifts to bestow. They hold keys for the survival and thriving of the Earth. They created the conditions for us to live on this planet and can do so again. We can learn to perceive their messages and receive their healing love and partner with them.
Attunement is the next language of communication, with people, animals, plants, rocks and planets. I’ve found that, for the most part, the larger, older trees are the ones that express higher consciousness (a good reason to preserve old-growth trees) and that as people attune and communicate with them, their consciousness grows as well — as does our ability to be aware of what they are doing.
As I’ve taught many people how to tune in and to come into a relationship for healing of ourselves and the planet, and then included the trees, I’ve seen that this is a skill that can be taught and that most people indeed can get it. Then I write and others write and share and the word goes out:
You can write or not write, no pressure, but in these difficult times when the forces of destruction are rampant, a niche might be created of those who care and tune in again to make contact and partner with other groups who are trying to save the forests. Give them loving attention — your attentiveness — and touch their bark and reassure them they are loved and noticed. Consciousness breeds consciousness and extends out far above and between and around the obstacles to find others aware and true and listening for their messages.
My hope is that if more people understand that trees may be sentient and have healing and spiritual abilities beyond anything we have imagined, we will nourish those that are still alive and replant our bountiful forests. Not only are they the other half of our lungs, they may be the other half of our hearts.
Call us forth. Please don’t deny yourselves this ability to call forth nature’s finest consciousness, its abilities to heal itself and the world. Be well my friends. Come forth in your glory and you will find us waiting in glory to welcome you and live in harmony and grace. (Maple)
People have written to me of their own unusual and life-changing experiences with trees. Often they begin with, “I’ve never told anyone about this but…” as if this were a secret, precious and possibly taboo subject that they, as a result of my sharing, feel permission to ‘come out’ about.
I will be writing more as we go along to tell you about what is happening with my little forest and to invite your stories and inspirations. Have you encountered tree love, received a message, had a favorite tree in your life, or retreated to the woods for peace, for healing or to ease your heart?
Elisa Novick, MSS does profound work as a healer, teacher, counselor, coach, minister, and facilitator of workshops and trainings in personal, professional, and spiritual development. She can assist you to clear personal, karmic and genetic patterns that have limited you and teach you exquisite attunement skills so you can become the magnificent master of life and Light that all of us are destined to be. Elisa has been assisting people in their growth since 1982 through her counseling practice and in facilitating over 1,000 workshops in holistic health, human development, family constellation, systemic constellation, organizational dynamics, planetary healing and spiritual awareness. Read her other Planet Waves articles here.
And here I thought it was just me! Most of the trees I’ve known are old pinon trees, there’s one to the north of my front door that’s really old and large that I think of as a grandfather tree. When I worked at the animal shelter thrift store and we got broken bits of art or sculpture that we couldn’t sell, I wouldn’t throw them in the dumpster, I’d take them home and “feed” them to the tree. I told a couple people about it but they didn’t get it. I think the tree appreciates having art at his feet. All of our trees here in New Mexico are suffering terribly with this drought.
I remember my first tree (hug). I was in my early 30’s and had always loved being in nature and had even heard of “tree huggers” but had never hugged one myself (a tree that is). Then one serendipitous afternoon, there she was. A beautiful willow, firmly entrenched in a dry creek bed. I don’t remember the exact circumstances other than I felt her energy calling to me and I felt an overwhelming/compelling desire to find out what all the talk was about. So I walked over and with only the slightest hesitation, touched her skin. Then, looking around to make sure no one was watching I slowly wrapped my arms around her sturdy trunk, and fell in love! The coolness of her core, the rooted connection to the depths of the earth and the love pouring down from the heavens … how could I not love her??? It was a divine connection to heaven and earth! What a marvelous gift! I stayed with her a while and visited often but eventually moved away to the Pacific North West (a land with many amazing trees!) and forgot about her for a time until just the other day, while reading your article, when the idea to look for her on Google Earth popped up in my mind. So I did. And she is still there, patiently being a loving conduit to the sky above and a good and loyal steward to the earth below. I hope to visit with her again and say hello to a dear friend that reached out to me in a time of need when I didn’t even know I was in need. I … am a tree hugger!!!
mystes – Another piece falls into the puzzle with both Elisa’s article and your comments. I think I’ve written about this before, but in a different context …
When I sat up those trees, I used to be able to sense clearly another world that I couldn’t see, and I used to squoosh my eyes closed, willing myself into it. It was so tantalisingly close. I felt known; I felt like I belonged. That feeling is as clear as day today – about 36 years later.
*Love* your tree stories, Sarah and Mysti.
I’m happiest of all when I’m immersed in the woods. It was always my favourite habitat as a child, a magical place where elves and fairies lived, of fairy tales, Arthur Rackham, Christina Rossetti (http://www.kevinalfredstrom.com/art/d/3426-1/Arthur+Rackham+-+Goblin+Market+-+Down+the+glen+tramp+the+little+men.jpg). For many years the sea became my first love, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve gone back to the woods again.
Thanks for another beautiful piece, dear Elisa. Was very struck this summer when my sister, who’s extremely sensitive but has a rational and intellectual approach to life, told me abput an elm tree that gave off a special, calming energy. In fact I told her all about you, she was really interested, but rather wary at the same time, as she is about all these things. But I have faith in the trees and my sister – she’s getting the message, that’s what matters.
Elisa: Thank you. Your words are just what the doctor ordered for me.
How can you sleep while your beds are burning? That’s the message I received from the trees and all non human life on this planet some time ago. They called for us to join in consciousness with them or suffer the consequences.
Sarah! I don’t know much about loquats, but figs are super super super important in the Waking game. Ficus/sycamore is –for western women– the equivalent of the bodhi tree. I wonder if you were just getting a little tune up (up) there…
Well… my name is easter/wood by birth. Major reminder… my first moment of sentient awareness (after the onset of language) was while staring at a mesquite tree bloom, who told me that everything was going to be alright here. Another “moment” of real self-awareness was communing with an ancient barrel cactus in the desert, and being convinced that it had swallowed a rainbow.
As I grew older, I realized that having been born in Nueces (Pecan) county on the eastern edge of the state was no accident. I’ve lived in houses surrounded by pecan trees most of my adult life, some are very old indeed. A couple of years ago, I was treated to the tympani of 7 ancient pecans around my house all ovulating at the same time. All 7 dropped their nuts at once, lasted about 20 minutes. I swear I couldn’t figure out where to put all the happy.
So, yes. Trees.
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Trees were my best friends too, when I was upset I climbed into an old pear tree which stood against a shed ..then I could sit with the tree and the roof until the world looked better again, and best of all no-one knew where I was. This article is so encouraging, I really appreciate it as human beings need help to restore the planet, first their are many hearts to touch and eyes to open.
Growing up in a pretty dysfunctional family that I never felt a part of, I used to escape to the garden for hours on end. We had a large garden – about two or three acres or so – and part of it was an orchard, until it was flattened to make way for a tennis court, which broke my heart.
Whenever I was sad, or angry, or lost, with no other outlet, I used to go to that orchard and climb a tree. I remember having two favourites: a fig and a loquat. I felt such peace when I was sitting in the crooks of their branches. I used to hide among the leaves, they offered a great vantage point, and, best of all, no-one was able to follow me up there. They also fed me. I have strong and deeply affectionate memories of them.