The Tree of Life

I had a conversation recently with someone in which the image of a tree came up.  The image that the person had was of digging around the roots of the tree to care for it.  I want to take some time to explore this image and see where it leads.

Looking at the tree, we see the trunk which is the part of the tree which is grounded – it has sprouted from the original seed or shoot.  From the trunk we have the other parts which are visible – the branches, often in an intricate pattern growing out of the trunk, and if it is a deciduous tree, it will have leaves - if it is not winter.  Or if it is coniferous, it will be green year round and is one that can be used as a Christmas tree.  Trees can be inspirational, moving us to wax poetic and appreciate the grandeur of God’s creation.  Some trees can live to be of a great age.  I remember seeing the Olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem.  They appeared as if they could have been the ones when Jesus was praying to his Heavenly Father asking to be spared from the cross.  Carbon dating has put the age of some at over one thousand years.  There were children who were selling olive branches to us tourists and charging what seemed to be rather steep prices for what could be found as part of God’s blessing freely given.  I digress – but that is what happens when you explore an image.

Of course, If we consider the root system of a tree, we know that it is for the most part hidden from us as we regard the tree itself.  Although it is hidden, we know – or are able to know if we investigate – that the root system of a tree can be extensive or even more extensive than the part that is visible above ground.  Although it is invisible to us, it is essential for the health and life of the tree.  The image of digging around the roots and digging in the fertilizer help ensure that the tree will survive and thrive.  

Following on that image, the question arises, what are the hidden things that are necessary to care for in our lives if we are to survive and thrive?  In the Anglican church we are coming up to the Annual Vestry meeting of congregations which will have many reports from various groups and aspects of the life of the church.  Some of these may seem to be less important than others.  You may think that the financial reports and other apparently dry aspects of church life are things to be gotten through as quickly as possible.  However, you can be sure that if you dig around them they can reveal much about the health of the church.  This is true of pretty much any organization.  It is often the hidden things which reveal the most. 

Of course, this is true for individuals as well as organizations – which are, of course, made up of individuals. What is hidden beneath, in the unconscious in the case of individuals, can reveal much about the health of the person and needs to be dug around and given fertilizer if it is to survive and thrive.  One way is to explore images which arise in us at various times.  Sometimes these will be unexpected and sometimes they will arise every night when we are asleep.  In any case, if we understand these images as exposing and exploring them,  we will be on the right road in our lives.  One of the sayings in dream work is that these images i.e., dreams, come for the health and wholeness of the dreamer.

May you be blessed to care and nurture your roots on your journey.