Have you ever talked to a tree? I mean for real – out loud, with your own precious voice?
As an adult?
I was at a workshop this summer where a man in his 60’s, who is a devoted steward of the planet, talked out loud to nature for the first time. He had been scared, embarrassed, and afraid that he would be "crazy" if he actually did it.
I understand that fear of being “crazy”. I’ve felt it many times.
Yet for me, talking to nature is the absolute way I will NOT go crazy. And I’m not alone.
I recently attended a literary panel on nature where award-winning authors discussed philosophies, strategies, and examples for enhancing the connection between humans and the natural world.
One note of advice from Marc Bekoff, author, scholar, and animal behavior expert, was, “Say hello to the trees!”
So, in case you are shy, introverted, socially awkward, nervous, or afraid of rejection, here are some conversation starters that I've used (I haven't been rejected yet ;) :
- Hello.
- How are you today?
- What do you see?
- What are you thinking about?
- I could use some guidance. How do I handle...(name any problem here)?
- You look so beautiful/ugly/tired/alive/dead/lonely/strong...
- What can I learn from you today?
- I see you’ve lived a looooong time. What’s your secret to old age?
- How can I help you?
- Thank you.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART: After you speak….
….wait….breathe….LISTEN…LISTEN….LISTEN...
Let me know how it goes.