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 Canopy and Underground Network   

Most of us have heard by now about the mycelium, ­a network of highways and pathways that tree-beings use to share messages, information, nutrition, and knowledge. They communicate, send warnings – they care. The complex underground “nervous system” is mirrored by the canopy. In the course of more than one hundred years, my four live oaks and single cork oak formed a grove with ONE huge beautifully rounded dome – a merged Canopy. Now, with Mother Oak gone very soon, there will be a hole ––– what will come about? I am a bit anxious, and very curious to learn… nature’s evolution, wisdom and wonders.

 

imagine the oak in the middle completely gone... a crater will be left...

As you have seen in the recent photos I took of Big Mother Oak, she really is bare and has shriveled, pulling her energies into the root system. Then last week, I notice a humble miracle happening right in front of my bedroom cottage window. A glistening of light green, an otherworldly promise. I blink hard several times to make sure I am not still dreaming. Shiny and delicate new growth on Mama Oak's companions – really? Twice this spring? Normally they are budding with new foliage in April, and by now they are set. This year however because of the huge rains, they started sprouting in mid-February, two months early. Then in March it kept pouring and hailing on those fragile new blossoms and leaves, which were not very abundant anyway. I was concerned. Now four months later (for a second time!) a lighter shade of green leaves is filling in their canopies, giving them a subtle and vibrant two-tone look. To the untrained eye of visitors, I have to point it out. This has never happened in the 32 years I have been here. Today, I am taking delight and comfort in these unexpected magical changes happening right in front of me, shoulder to shoulder, perhaps even inside of me....

 

 

As Mama Oak is leaving, she is transforming and sharing herself with the other oaks. Every bit of energy is recycled. And I get to witness close up this gifting of nutrition and spirit. In our human realm, is it not similar? We remember and cherish loved ones we lost, and they live on in us. Our elders and ancestors become a major source of support and nourishment. Whether we can prove or understand this – it is happening, has been and will be going on forever :)  

  

Transparent Beauty in Sunset – like people close to death often becoming very beautiful...

What do you see?


Comments

  1. ayshaJune 26, 2023 at 4:00 PM

    I am a bit stunned to be asked. I see... you... It scares me, and I feel myself lean closer to east bay soil.

    And I see the journey of a lifetime right here in your garden. No need to travel to far off places - I/we can learn so much right here.

    ReplyDelete

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