Old growth trees have deep roots. They connect with other plants, fungus, and microbes in complex ways through the forest floor. They share resources. When there is a shortage of resources, organisms compete for the nutrients in the soil.

Instead of having to fight for the nutrients in the forest floor, old growth trees found another way to get the resources they need. In their canopies, they support entire ecosystems and can have up to three feet of soil on their branches! There, the soil is rich. The competition is less, and so the trees develop roots from their branches in the forest canopy! In this way, they find all the nutrients they need.

If we think of this in a metaphysical way, as if we are the old growth tree, we put our own roots down into the earth, the reality of our existence. By doing so we stay grounded and are nurtured. We are not so easily buffeted by the winds of life. Sometimes though, reality is hard, overwhelming, and even though our roots are deep, we aren’t being fed in the way we need. If we put out roots above, into the spirit realm, we can find sustenance. Solace.

We must remain rooted, grounded, even as we expand our connection in the spirit realm, receiving the nourishment we need to be whole, loving, resilient humans. When we maintain our spirit connection even when our physical reality is filled with ease, we will have a strong connection and will be ready for the next time life becomes challenging.

In addition, when the tree (me) finds nutrients from above, it has more to share, to give in the soil; in the physical realm.

When I nurture my connection with Spirit, I move through daily life with more ease and presence. I find clarity in my path as an Artist and Change Maker. When the going is rough, (Because seriously, Life just keeps happening!) and I need support, it often shows up in ways that feel like magic. In reality, the “magic” is often a result of the work I’ve put it. Not only do I feel nurtured by this connection, I also have more capacity to give to my family, my community, and this world.

There is so much to learn from old-growth forest ecosystems, and so much we don’t yet know; from how and to what extent the organisms share resources and communicate with one another through the mycorrhizal network, to their impact on climate change.

Image by Scott Mafune shows Korena Mafune climbing high in the canopy of the Hoh Rainforest

I am so inspired by the work of scientists, like Soil Scientist Korena Mafune. Check out this beautiful video showing Korena climbing into the canopies of the Hoh Rainforest to study the canopy soil. It brings me back to the time when I was in college and had an opportunity to climb into a temperate rainforest canopy using ropes. We were studying the impacts of pollution on lichen. Sitting in the canopy, a hundred feet above the ground, was pure magic.

What is inspiring you today? I’d love to hear about your inspirations in the comments below!