You Must Create a Healing Forest

EACH FOREST HAS ITS OWN CHARACTERISTICS. 

If we examine the nature of a forest it becomes clear that within that environment, different roles are played by the inhabitants and there are expectations that are made for each living thing within that forest. Some scientists have discovered that individual plants may give off emotional vibrations. Storytellers have long suggested that there are spiritual aspects that are not well known, that may add depth to our awareness of the character of that forest. In some cultures, there are Fairies, Little People, Trolls, and Sprites who live in and around the forest. So there is the seen and the unseen aspect of the forest that needs to be considered.



In ancient times, people lived in interconnected communities where everyone had a role to play in order for the community to be healthy. Some of these communities thrived, and others did not. Human beings tend to be selfishly flawed causing them to behave in careless and destructive ways. In a forest, the trees do not just look out for themselves. They exist in an interconnected, interlocked ecology where the Creator has given each one a specific function that contributes to the health of the forest. 

CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURE’S FOREST ARE PREDETERMINED 

Human beings, on the other hand have free will. They must reach out to the Creator to determine what their purpose and function is within a given community. In fact, human beings do not always realize that they are part of a community. They isolate, ignoring, that in order to thrive they must acknowledge the interconnections and their responsibilities to other members of the community. 



During the days of the COVID lockdowns, many cities and towns insisted that people stay at home. They were not able to go to school, to the store, visit with friends, play sports, or participate in spiritual activities. Those who were selfish and angry often looted businesses, burned down or tore down structures in the town. It was not safe to be out. Many locations became unhealthy, drugs and alcohol were used for pleasure and for escaping the pain of loss and isolation. Many people felt no sense of community—they were in need of a healing forest. 

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS CREATE A HEALING FOREST

Reclaiming this this healthy forest requires a new set of values and a consciousness that is focused on making sure that people are not isolated. Every neighborhood can become a healing forest just by making sure that people get to know each other. In our neighborhood, people walk their dogs, children ride bikes, and practice hockey in the driveway. People stop by to check on new gardens or landscaping. We get to know the families on our block, share recipes, and songs, and sometimes prayers for those in need. Making those connections takes time and energy; but, provides important emotional and spiritual support. Over time, meaningful connections support an interconnected community that operates like a healing forest.