..
Surely a great-great grandfather tree! Yachana/Rio Napo/Ecuador
..Inspired by the words of Ram Daas:
“When you go out into the woods and you look at trees, you see all these different trees.
And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever.
Guava tree
Diversity; how many species?
And you look at the tree and you allow it. You appreciate it. You see why it is the way it is.
You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree.
The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying “You’re too this, or I’m too this.” That judging mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are. ” – Ram Dass, On Self-Judgment
Solstice Festival – Cayambe Ecuador – “Touch the Sky”
See you a bit later this week!
Until then, Lisa
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
Great post! 🙂 and I remember a few pictures of trees that you did that had faces in them…which I loved.
Lisa – your slideshow was great and the tree with the single bird (before the comrants) was my fav— but all
Tied in with the message here (let’s stop the judgy-judgy
Thank you! That little woodpecker has been a mystery, and I’ve photographed it three times in the past few weeks.. Always just before dark, as it perches there, then eases down to one of the many holes in the tree. It’s most likely a black-cheeked Woodpecker, but instead of having black and white feathers on the wings, tail, it’s buff/beige/brown.. either juvenile or molting\? doesn’t matter, it gives me great joy to watch it, several kilometers from where I live…
What a wonderful visitor to have and I can see the joy – gave your readers joy to see pics of it
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Very wise words indeed, and beautifully illustrated!
Thank you, and of course you would enjoy that concept!
Interesting quote, Lisa, and quite thought-provoking. I love looking at trees. We have a bird tree by the river in the park where I walk. There are often cormorants in it, although not this time of year, of course, or egrets or herons. They do tend to not mix however, a bit like people. I always love to check and see who’s up there when I walk.
Have a wonderful and wonder-filled week!
janet
How great to have a ‘Bird Tree’ destination and see the changing cast of birds! Yes, those places become very dear to us.
I hope that your week is going well!
It is going well, Lisa. I got a lot done today, yet had time to read and relax a bit, a good combination. 🙂
I love to think about how a tree decides to pop out a new branch here or another one there. And after having planted trees too close together on our property over time, I finally realized how magnificent trees are who are allowed to grow to their full potential size and spread unencumbered by close neighbors.
yes, it’s easy to plant too close, viewing those petite little plants and having trouble realizing how huge they’ll become – with the right conditions. i marvel how the city crews will make these tiny spaces in the sidewalk and then plant royal palms….
thank you for your support, amiga!
What a very clever way to look at the world! I think I shall adopt the philosophy!!! Loved this one Zee
Yes, I can see you embracing this concept! Thank you, dear and talented friend!
That is a very profound way of approaching everything. Just let it be like the tree, it just is. If only everybody, especially politicians, would adopt this philosophy the world would be a better place.
i’ve listened to a few audio interviews about climate change, the environment, and of course young Greta — and bottom line seems to be that it’s man’s greed that has caused most of our problems… you are right..
Young Greta has an old and sensible head on her shoulders.
Such beautiful trees, and what a good idea to practice turning people into trees.
yes, it’s a fun exercise for the highly-creative mind! thank you, amiga!
A post that opens eyes and mind to the beauty and preservation of our natural world
you play a strong and positive role in keeping this world healthy.. thank you eddie!
I have never understood how a person could cut down a tree that has taken years to grow tall — unless it is diseased. Even then it makes me very sad. Lovely photos, by the way!
The next show will feature that cut section of trunk that was in the last show.. but i will have time to paint its portrait ‘as it was’ while thriving. i look forward to getting busy with that one… as always, thanks, hugh!
I share your love and joy of trees. Most of my current work is about painting secret forests.https://www.cheryljohnsonartist.com/artworks/oils
I would love to walk with you and photograph these amazing friends. Thank you of sharing.
i’ve followed the link, opened the page and will read it when at home – in a few hours from now! (one hour from home as i type) thanks, amiga!
I loved seeing these mighty trees and the long arms that want to be noticed – what a wonderful way to enjoy nature. Good to see you again Lisa.
I’ve drawn one small tree in pencil this week, and another medium sized watercolor… was painting the latter in the night, and bam! the lights went out – right in the middle of a wash.. there i sat with brush in hand in total darkness… after a minute, i groped carefully for the container of rinse water, placed the brush on the table, and fumbled my way to bed!!!
So funny, but not ~ electricity still continues to evade just when you are in the middle of a creative moment. Things have not changed, but did have a good laugh on how you dealt with it – off to bed! Love it ~
Great post, Liza.
Thank you, to another lover of nature!
😚
I like these visits to the equator where Nature does so many things I never imagined up here in the northy-north.
“And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are.” – Ram Dass, On Self-Judgment
There are some people I’d like to turn into actual trees. I see Trump-tree growing in a garbage dump. And Congress in a swamp.
The post has me wondering, if I could be any tree I wanted, which one would it be.. and then ‘which tree would my friends/peers think i am like?’ good exercise!
Oh, sure, make me think and imagine and wonder!
Lisa, I love it. We are a family of tree climbers, so they are very inviting. Some look like they would hug you close, but hopefully not Wizard of Oz close. Keith
Yes, some of the trees here have strong character and personality! I’m glad that you and your family enjoy climbing trees! When is the last time you climbed a tree?!!!!!
Lisa, of course, my climbing includes a ladder to prune, so that would be last week. My oldest would climb like I used to and my daughter is on the climbing team at college.
Funny story, when he was little, he climbed up a Magnolia tree in our front yard, decided he had to go and proceeded to pee a rainbow waterfall from the top to the shrieks of the little girls who lived next door. My wife called me at work to tell me what our son had just done. Keith
That is so funny! A rainbow – wow, talented youngster with a great sense of humor and perhaps wonder.. and self confidence!!! it makes for great chuckles while reminiscing as well!
Wise words by Ram Dass. and loved your images Lisa.
Love what Ram Das said! And trees. Mmmmm. Love them all.
I love that Ram Dass quote, Lisa….and your tress…
What an interesting parallel is Ram Dass’s quote on self-judgement! Thanks for this little insight.
Beautiful writing and wisdom, I live trees and the wisdom they hold.