Visiting and worshipping my Great Great Grandmother
I had planned on offering another video in this newsletter for my ‘podcast that isn’t a podcast’ series. However, I am currently full of cold so decided to spare you the snotty edition and send something in written form instead. My little videos will return soon though I promise, and remember you can access them all for free here -
In considering what to write about today I have so many options. A huge list of subjects in fact that I am slowly working my way through, and adding to along our shared pilgrimage for the Soul. But today, given that my head is a little fuzzy and my heart a little griefy, (it’s the 15th anniversary of my mums death today), I have decided to write a simple piece about something that brings me deep joy….and so much more.
Trees.
Now before you roll your third eye and unsubscribe, bear with me. Trees are the best therapists, spiritual teachers, mentors, elders and guides that I know. Trust me. And they are free and everywhere! If you cultivate a relationship with a particular tree in your neck of the woods (!) you might just discover some of the magic, medicine and healing that you have been looking for.
Where it all began…and how it continues…
My love affair with trees began very early in my favourite children’s book ‘The Magical Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton, whereby I would escape my painful childhood reality by climbing up trees into fantasy worlds, high in the sky. I still re-read this book every few years and it brings me so much joy. It makes me so happy to see my grandsons reading this book now, as my children did before them. The magic lives on…
Alongside my reading as a small child I could regularly be found roaming in the woods. I built dens deep amongst the trees and created my own fantasy home and family there, talking to my imaginary friends, as well as making tea for the fairies and animals that were my neighbours. Whenever I felt unsafe as a child I would organically make my way back to the trees, and feel them holding and protecting me, like the parents I needed. This has never changed….
When I had my major breakdown/through in my early 30s, it was to the trees that I returned. It felt like they were the family that I lacked and needed, to guide and support me during such a major dark night of the Soul. It was around this time that I also started gathering fallen objects from nature too, whilst walking barefoot where possible (witchy vibes right there). It makes me smile now to remember my precious heartbroken self wandering the fields and forests of Suffolk in my pyjamas, gathering conkers, bark and feathers! And of course this still continues to this day….just not usually in my Pjs, but never say never.
I always tell my children that if I ever go a bit looney tunes in my old age, they simply need to get me back to the trees. I think I’ve written about this previously, but I would love to be buried in one of those Tree Burial Pods underneath a tree! Imagine this. However, I don’t think I have the budget for it, so perhaps they can just scatter some of my ashes under my favourite redwood. Joy ☺️
A walking tree, that’s me
A while back during a therapeutic mushroom ceremony in the forest, I found myself becoming (returning) to being a tree. I felt myself growing up from the soil as a tiny little shoot, to standing up tall and strong next to an enormous Elder oak tree. All the seasons came to pass during this experience, and I stood proud and solid throughout, observing life unfolding all around me. Squirrels, a fox and even some baby deer came to shelter underneath my branches, (imagined or real who knows?!), and as autumn arrived, I felt how easy it was to release my dead leaves, and watch them flutter to the earth beneath me to be recycled. Winter was dark, wet and windy and yet held its own magical beauty. And I just stood still, waving my bare branches towards the heavens to say hello to the cosmos, whilst deepening my roots into the ground.
As the sun and daylight eventually began to return and the season turned, I found my tree self very keen to feel the sun on my face once again. But I was clearly rooted to the ground and shown that I needed to BE patient and wait my turn. And sure enough all in good time, the sun blessed me with its light and warmth, and my sap began to rise, as I felt the new buds beginning to blossom and bloom once more. It was simply glorious. Seasons.
When the psilocybin began to wear off, I felt myself return back to my life as a walking tree. I still do. I am a tree that gets to walk around in the world! F**K me. How amazing is that?! Oh and of course there was a hilarious moment (always), whereby some poor jogger passed on a track nearby, and rather than seeing me as the tree I clearly was (!), he simply saw some deranged middle aged woman in a brown blanket waving her arms in the wind! He went from jogging to a sprint, poor bugger.
Tree Woman by Theresa Marie Johnson
Befriend a Tree
I don’t have enough time nor energy to write extensively about the healing power of trees, but as mentioned above I encourage you to start to befriend a tree. Head out in nature and let yourself be called by a particular tree. Notice as you look at this tree what you share in common…what wounds do they also carry, how are they growing, shedding, letting go? What can they teach you in how to stay grounded/rooted whilst also connected underground and above and beyond? Ask permission to sit beneath your new friend and with a journal and pen start to dialogue with the tree. Ask questions for guidance on your life and then listen….write it down. The more still, present and quiet you get, the more wisdom you will receive. Trust whatever comes.
The more frequently you do this, the more wisdom you will receive. And remember to leave a little gift for your tree friend after each visit. They seem to particularly like feathers, flowers and even small brown coins…… If this sounds looney tunes, fair enough. Do it anyway, I dare you. The world needs more wisdom and the trees (like your Ancestors are waiting to share with you). You can thank me later. 😉
One of the many gifts and teachings that I have received from the trees (apart from my words), is that they grow in 3 directions all at once. They grow deep roots underground in the dark, which helps them become more grounded, whilst also giving and receiving nourishment from/to their neighbours. At the same time, they grow up towards the light, reaching for the sky and a connection to the expanse of the cosmos. Whilst also reaching outwards through their branches and leaves towards other fellow trees, community and Life itself. Now if that isn’t a lesson for us all, I don’t know what is. Trust in Life. Grow in all 3 directions.
You came into this world connected to another human being. An umbilical cord attaching you to your mother, after her body had nourished and cleansed yours through this cord for almost a year. And even though this cord gets cut on you entering the physical world, in order for you to live and grow as an individual being, you will remain connected to your mother through an invisible cord your whole life.
Make no mistake.
And the same could be said for us all. Connected to each other by invisible threads that can cleanse, nourish and help us grow. If we let them. These cords need to remain intact, and often we forget that. Just like the trees will feed and nourish each other in their extended family called forests, through their own umbilical cords called roots. When one of their community is sick or struggling, the others will step up to offer them the love, nourishment and care that they need in order to return to full health.
So imagine today as you move through the world, that you are invisibly connected to everyone you meet, and every thing you see in nature. Because you are. Imagine that they are in fact your extended family of brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, children and parents. Because they are.
Send them masses of Love, Compassion and Kindness, down the invisible network of cords that connect us all. And don’t be surprised if some people look up and randomly smile at you as you do this. Because Love will always recognise it’s own face. It’s kin.
Yes go connect with the wider world today. Be brave. Be open, and feel those threads pulling you closer and closer together. From your heart to theirs. (Not so different after all.)
Be more Tree. 🌳❤️🌳
Some random non-tree related stuff I’m loving at the moment….
Black Rabbit on Netflix - juicy and layered. The ripple effects of unprocessed trauma….
The Signs by Dr Tara Swart - a great book on strengthening our intuition and the deeper meaning of signs.
Marching Powder - Danny Dyer film on Prime. Surprisingly deep and funny and sad all at once.
Any/all music by Lola Young (yes I’m really that cool)
Jacket potatoes. Enough said.
All the way to the river - Elizabeth Gilbert. I don’t care what the Guardian says, I loved this book. Team Liz all the way.
Myco Night by Arbor Vitmains - a mushroom blend for sleep. Works a treat for me.
Entertaining Mr Sloane - the play with Jordan Stephens in. Go see it. Tickets
Corinne Peacock’s art - and yes I am biased as she’s my favourite sister, but during turbulent times we need art and beauty more than ever. Show some love if you can.Corinne Peacock.
Sona 2 Clit Vibrator - just teasing on this one, but curious to see who has made it this far! Hee hee. It does look amazing though and it’s not long until Christmas (hint hint), so…ho ho ho. (Makes a change from sending me a candle or incense….)
For this next Silent Sisterhood walk the focus is on grieving someone or something we have lost. This might be death of a loved one, end of a relationship, end of a phase of life (like being young!) or even grieving for parts of ourselves. Like the child we once were who never felt safe or loved. Grief covers all of this and so much more.
Pick one of your heartbreaks and we will do our walk together to support you to grieve and honour this loss, whilst also stepping forward into life, all at the same time. Both/and. Please book early if you wish to join us. Afterwards we will sit together and share on our experiences, (if you want to) over tea and biscuits.
I do hope you have enjoyed reading this and thank you as ever for your support. As people tighten their belts even more, I’ve lost a few paid subscribers along the way, so I am especially grateful for your support here. Because words really do matter…..
Honestly this is epic. It had me laughing, crying, smiling & everything in between. You are a genius with words, an amazing sharer of wisdom & a stunning tree.
We need you on a real podcast & we need your next book!
I loved this. This morning I ventured out earlier than I normally do and visited a large redwood in my local park. You have woken me up to these giant trees. The energy under its branches is wonderful. I needed it so much to ground me after a horrendous day yesterday with my mother who is fighting death with all her might. (What else did I expect?) I did forget my offering though so thanks for that reminder. I am still laughing about that poor jogger. Xx
Honestly this is epic. It had me laughing, crying, smiling & everything in between. You are a genius with words, an amazing sharer of wisdom & a stunning tree.
We need you on a real podcast & we need your next book!
No bias here…just stating truth ♥️♥️♥️
I loved this. This morning I ventured out earlier than I normally do and visited a large redwood in my local park. You have woken me up to these giant trees. The energy under its branches is wonderful. I needed it so much to ground me after a horrendous day yesterday with my mother who is fighting death with all her might. (What else did I expect?) I did forget my offering though so thanks for that reminder. I am still laughing about that poor jogger. Xx