A Moment in the Woods

“In the depth of the woods,
Nature leaned into me,
Shading the ache
Of humanness with
Loyal loving trees.”
— Angie Weiland Crosby

I recently walked with my family through the redwood forest in Armstrong Woods State Preserve — a treasure trove of wilderness with trees over 1300 years old living in a special Pacific Coast ecosystem at the mouth of the Russian River. Feelings of peace, calm and harmony seemed to float around us as we explored the trails and sorrel carpet of the forest floor. My lungs drank in the damp, cool air and my feet felt light as I padded along the layers of decomposing hummus. My problems seemed smaller and more manageable as I walked surrounded by these giants.

Imagining a Treehouse Life

It was a little difficult to leave the forest and return to my everyday life and I found myself imagining what kind of treehouse I would build there. Thinking about building a treehouse among the ancient sequoias with a view of the world from their perspective was a relaxing meditation. Of course building a treehouse is not allowed but the idea was fun to think about.

Treehouses and Childhood Adventures

Treehouses were a sign of status among the kids in my neighborhood in the 1970s. Somehow a treehouse represented the ultimate cool place for kids to meet up and hang out. We made signs with construction paper and poster paint that said “Stay Out” and “Secret Password Required”. Treehouses are wonderful metaphors that provide an immediate sense of childhood adventure and freedom in movies like “Stand By Me” and in stories like those of the Magic Treehouse book series.

Reimagining the Signs

Life has shown me how much our word choices matter and so my signs would be very different today. Perhaps my treehouse would have a sign that reads “Peace Be With You” at the entrance and signs on the tree limbs stating “Kindness At Work Here” and “Imagine With Trees”. As caregivers we can create our own metaphorical treehouses to help us find a healthier and less stressful perspective on the many challenges we face, especially with dementia care. What wording would you choose to write on your treehouse signs?

December’s Inspirational Resource

December’s Inspirational Resource Link — (Yes, it’s Teepa Snow!)