Saturday 7 May 2016

Reflections on the Symbolism of Trees

On the Symbolism of Trees



The assertion that humans evolved within the forest environment is probably true, especially when considered from a Darwinian perspective – after all is said and done apes and trees do go together, do they not? Although I have heard it said that the forest edge rather than the deeper recesses of the forest itself was our species nursery. Whatever the truth may be, and it is unlikely we will ever know for certain; be it depth or edge, trees have played a central role in our lives from the very beginning of our existence.

The tree provides us with food, warmth, building material, medicines, energy, shelter and much much more, and has done so for countless millennia. Yet, until recent times, we were completely ignorant of how absolutely dependent we are upon trees for our existence. The very air we breathe gives us life. Why, because it is the bearer of oxygen, that precious gas generated by trees without which we would survive no more than a few minutes. At the same time trees not only supply us with copious amounts of food but they also lock up immense quantities of carbon; so, chopping them down without thought for their replacement is not a smart move – but, lemming-like, we do, driven by some deep-rooted need, but for what…?

We now know that the production of oxygen takes place through photosynthesis, which is the conversion of light into food, and without it most life-forms, humankind included, could not exist. In this process carbon dioxide and water are used to produce organic compounds, particularly sugars, using the energy from sunlight. This process takes place predominantly in plants and algae, but also in some species of bacteria; all of which, it is said, release oxygen as a bye-product …. A strange term for a component that is essential to most organic life-forms on this earth - I think I prefer the term 'Manna'!

Whether or not we see photosynthesis as science or divine beneficence, it is now becoming acknowledged as the most important process taking place in our world and it is easy to see why. The ability of plants to use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen forms the basis of all food chains in nature, and one of the key vehicles of this process is the tree, for each individual tree provides a vast area of leaf surface that is full of the molecule chlorophyll, a unique molecule that is able to absorb sunlight and convert it into the chemical energy we call sugar, and the precious gas we call oxygen.

Furthermore, the fresh water we drink and take so much for granted would be a scarce commodity without the presence of woodland, which plays a crucial role in triggering rainfall, and subsequently in storing the fresh water that falls as such. Arguably, the relationship between trees and all carbon-based life-forms is symbiotic, although it may be more true to say that the tree is not so much a partner as a surrogate parent assisting in the nurture of very special children.

In some circles it is acknowledged that Nature’s ultimate objective is the creation of mature woodland; an undertaking requiring thousands of years to realise.  It is a view I feel is right even if it is not an absolute fact. In the forest, which plainly is Nature’s workshop, light is converted with quiet efficiency into the many forms and materials that are used by Nature. This is particularly so through the alchemy, and I can imagine no better word to describe it, of photosynthesis where each tree receives light and transforms it into a ‘manna from heaven’ that sustains myriads of life-forms, who are themselves patently, light in transition. It seems, then, only natural that the forest should evolve slowly and gracefully, after all, as creatures of light made in the image of God, the absolute source of light, we humans are also seeking to fulfil the divine potential that resides in light, and our evolution is evidently just as time consuming.

Paradoxically, given that we are indeed creatures of light sustained by light, it difficult to comprehend how the urban environment as we know it could have been designed and created by men and women, creatures formed and shaped in and by the forest – yet it has; and it is even more difficult to understand how such creatures could develop a culture so firmly based upon technologies of destruction to facilitate its experience.

Consider for example the burning of fossil fuels; the petro-chemical engine; the smashing of atoms in atomic power stations; mono-cropping; gmo-farming; factory farming; the creation of chemical toxins that destroy both the soil and the atmosphere, as well as a myriad of species – the list is frighteningly long. It would seem that rather than living in harmony and concord, the relationship between humanity and Nature is one of thesis/antithesis destined for a destructive climax.

What is really extraordinary is our enthusiasm for destroying each other. We (and I include all humans in this), have an irrepressible lust for warfare and have throughout history developed a vast array of weapons for the purpose of killing, maiming and enslaving our fellows, subjecting them to a humiliating and miserable existence. Why does this happen; is it simply our desire to dominate and control our environment and everything in it, or is there something else, something beyond our biology and psychology?

Other creatures compete for resources such as food and water, for territory and the rights and space in which to breed without the need to commit genocide. Yet, if the archaeology is correct, there was never a time when it was otherwise. Clearly there have been ‘golden ages’, periods of peace and prosperity lasting a generation or two, but it does seem that this world has in the main been a place of ‘tooth and Claw’ in which the alpha predators have their way. It is a curious thing that humankind, a creature of light, should be so full of darkness and destruction.

Nevertheless, there may yet be a more positive destiny awaiting us, for if we are not Nature’s children, we are undoubtedly a close relative; being made of the same stuff – Light. Thus one can only pray that this destructive process is a phase in the evolution of an immature humanity, a phase that hopefully will pass; a kind of juvenile delinquency if you will, and perhaps as we mature our understanding will grow, and we will come to appreciate the exquisite economy, prudence and patience of Nature, as did our ancestors, who in their appreciation invested trees not only with respect but with reverence. A respect and reverence that is patently obvious in the mythology and folklore that we have inherited from them, and in which it is clear that the forest, and the trees of the forest figure prominently. And despite the fact that in some instances these ancient myths reach us, after the lapse of ages, in distorted and grotesque forms, they are worthy of preservation, not simply as curiosities of folklore, but as emblems or symbols of our place in this world.


Wednesday 3 February 2016

THE ORATIO PROJECT

CANDLEMAS 2016


Over the next few weeks I will be helping with a ‘Crowdfunding’ Appeal for the #Oratio Project on a fundraising platform called Indiegogo. The appeal is for help to build a Sanctuary of Peace (see illustrations). The project needs £350,000, which is a lot of money, but it is a worldwide appeal for a great cause. I am asking everyone I know (family & friends and associates) to support it because the more people support it the greater the possibility of success. The link at the bottom of the page will take you to the Oratio Page on the Indiegogo site, which will explain it the project in detail.

Some of you already know that this appeal by the Order of Dionysis & Paul is to raise funds to build the first of a network of spiritual houses (Sanctuaries of Peace) that will facilitate a new model of monasticism that consists of men and women living the #contemplative life whilst dwelling in the secular world.

To those who do not know what this Appeal is about, the ‘new model’ of monasticism is neither new nor is it a radical departure from what we already know; but it is revolutionary – indeed it always has been – because it is for everyone, without exception, an alternative to the perpetual merry-go-round of a secular culture driven by consumerism. It applies equally to men and women, to young and old, to rich or poor, to those who are either pursuing a busy secular career or running a busy household. 


There is no requirement of membership other than a willingness to engage with the ‘interior life’, because the monastic ideal has embodied from its beginning more than seventeen hundred years ago, and continues to embody today, the principle of ‘spiritualising’ one’s life, which is an interior objective that is achievable whether we live in the wilderness or in an urban environment.

In either case it entails entering into the interior ‘wilderness’ of the soul – a solitary endeavour that is the essence of monasticism – to engage in the daily observance of Prayer and Meditation through which we may learn something of our own spiritual nature and become aware of the Divine Presence not only within ourselves but within all living things. Such a way of life enables us to accept the challenges we encounter as opportunities to transform our own unruly nature (the wilderness), and ‘make a difference’ every single day of our life.

It is this change of focus that constitutes the new model of #monasticism, a change capable of uniting the secular and the spiritual dimensions of our life thereby empowering us to bring meaning and purpose into our lives and the lives of our families and friends; linking us with a growing community of people living the contemplative life – the greatest of all undertakings.

What you will be funding







#The Order of Dionysis & Paul, a Christian religious order of men and women who have followed this model for more than fifty years is seeking to raise £350,000 to build the first Sanctuary of Peace, a spiritual centre based upon traditional patterns of the ancient British Church that will provide the space and opportunity for people following this path to periodically withdraw from the world to spend time in silence, prayermeditation and spiritual discourse.


Run by members of the Order of Dionysis & Paul, the #Sanctuary of Peace, will;


a) Enable men and women to explore the spiritual way of life as part of a wider community of people interested in the contemplative life;


b) Provide the opportunity for people to withdraw from the world to spend time in the silence, in prayer, in meditation and in spiritual discourse, following the example set by the spiritual communities established by the ancient British Church and lived today by the members of the Order of Dionysis & Paul.


The monies raised will purchase the land and pay for the build of the Sanctuary of Peace, which will be constructed using low-tech, low-impact straw-bale technology, resulting in an organic structure that harmonises with the environment and minimizes the energy used and carbon dioxide generated in its construction. This low-tech approach will significantly reduce the amount of energy required to construct the building, and, because of the insulating properties of the materials used, will save energy and minimise carbon dioxide in heating and cooling. Energy will be generated using solar panels for both hot water and electricity.




To make this project happen it needs your support!


Ways in which you can help

  • Contribute to the Project fund, every little helps.
  • Find us on Facebook, like our page and share with your friends.
  • Tell others about  about our campaign.

http://igg.me/at/oratioproject/x/12787565