The River Has Moved
I planned to share with you an exciting, revealing trip to the Redwood forests in northern California for this month’s blog. I still will, but not without hurricane Helene speaking her words as well. She demands it.
As a resident of upper east Tennessee, I’ve witnessed the power of the strongest hurricane, that being Helene, since Katrina in 2005 at the time of this writing. But to back up…
On September 18th, my partner and I began our journey in Redmond, Oregon, to traverse the trail of the mighty coastal Redwoods, all the way down to San Francisco. Suffice it to say, my excitement was at an all-time high, as my love for nature, especially trees, has ruled my heart in recent years, as part of my own spiritual awakening. And to add, it did not disappoint. And let me also say that there are no photos or videos that could adequately show the sheer majesty of these forests, nor are there words to describe the magic.
These 2000 year old plus trees rule. Simply put.
Several of these wonders had fallen from the elements, storms, or age, and it was a wonder to see how these “nurse logs” were now supporting life beyond their own.
You can see nurse logs in your own local forests-those fallen masters that are now giving life and a home to mushrooms, fungi, moss, chipmunks, etc. An entire ecosystem.
Life goes on.
So many folks said to me, upon hearing I was traveling to the Redwoods, “You’ll cry.” I had no doubt about this, as I strongly identify with being a highly sensitive person, paired with my passion for the trees; however, I was a bit mystified that upon entering Jedediah Smith park, that I didn’t immediately experience some tearfulness, which disappointed me, I must say. But it didn’t take all that long for the tears to manifest.
I came to this particular tree.
Can you see it? The face in the tree? Can you see the nose, eyes, mouth?
I just stood and gazed, and felt my throat constrict. Father Tree.
As a kid, I remember going to Christus Gardens in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where there was a sculpture of Jesus, whose eyes seemed to follow you everywhere you went. It was exciting then, and a little creepy, trying to figure out how “they did that.” As a young kid, I recall thinking, is that really Jesus watching me?! I tested him by walking all around the perimeter….yep, he was still watching me.
Gazing upon this natural tree reminded me of that day. I felt seen and heard. I felt the presence of a benevolent spirit who was there with me, a very deeply peaceful and comfortable feeling. Not intimidating at all.
The beauty of the west coast and Pacific Ocean coastline was full of surprises. Including finding (and eating) the unexpected blackberries that popped out of nowhere along a rocky path….
Including the labyrinths at the top of Mt. Shasta at 8000 feet….
On September 28th, as we were awaiting our flight back to Asheville, North Carolina, the news came of Helene and we were rerouted back to my hometown, leaving my car behind at the Asheville Airport, which I later retrieved.
The River Has Moved
We Have Moved
“We” are not the same.
I’m extremely grateful that my family and I did not experience the loss that so many have. I’m thankful for having a hot shower, power, water, and a bed to lay my head on.
As Father Tree spoke to my spirit that day in the Redwoods, I truly hope and pray that we listen to what nature is saying to us, that we rid ourselves of any thoughts of punishment, that we release survival guilt, that we continue to love, to build and hold one another up, and that we learn to take care of one another, to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”
I felt changed after seeing the Redwoods and I feel changed ever since returning home to Helene. Experience moves us, whatever we decide to label it. For those of you that have been intensely affected by the flood or have sustained loss as a result, I will be co-facilitating a 6 week support group, free of charge, through Shakti in the Mountains. If you would like to join us reach out to me at amanda@elizabethtoncac.com
I wish you well, my friend, wherever you may be. Remember to look up and around you, looking for the “redwoods” in your world, those lighthouses of hope and reassurance, especially during times of need.
Til next we meet in the forest…
Love,
Amanda ❤️
What brings you to your knees?
Is it hard for you to feel god in the airport, in the city streets, through the screen?
The forest pulls me down into easy prayer and instant depth.
Trees speak slowly and I’m honored to listen.
People skirt around the point and get hung up on greedy excuses.
Yet, it never worked for me as just the hermit.
I’m body, mind, and spirit!
Oh to be a mushroom!
Oh to live only here on earth, devoted and healthy.
I wish it for all of us.
Jacqueline Suskin, Poetic Update-September 2024
