Pine: Hope Pines are conifer trees in the genus Pinus in the family Pinaceae. Pines are evergreen, coniferous resinous trees (or rarely shrubs) growing 3–80 m tall, with the majority of species reaching 15–45 m tall. They tend to cultivate in harsh, rocky conditions and grow abundantly throughout the Northern Hemisphere So my laptop gave up on me and my writing plans were put on the back burner. I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit annoyed with the universe because writing this was a positive step forward for me. I missed writing and choosing flowers and photos so i get it; it was taken from me so i could realise how much i liked it and be empowered to continue. Fair play. Soo, the past month: My meadow got a big path built right through the middle of it. It kind of really totally broke my heart. I know it wasn't my meadow but i rarely saw anyone else there so it felt like it. I stopped going there and i wasn't feeling too good about life. I wont blame the meadow infringement entirely but it didn't help. I was stuck. I think we all get stuck sometimes; maybe we're caught in self destructive patterns or negative mindsets or even just in a really crappy job. Its often so hard to get out of it and making changes becomes overwhelming and scary so we just accept the unhappiness because, hey , its safe. At times like these, we need to take a few deep breaths, then a few more and when you're ready, take a tiny step forward. Don't look at changing your whole life, anyone would freak out at that thought, just chose one thing you would like to improve and go for it. That's the most important part- go for it. Stop planning and over thinking as no decision will ever be 100% perfect so just settle for something that challenges you in a small way. That's your light at the end of the tunnel. My year has been pretty stagnant and uneventful and only now, on November 2nd have i really manged to do anything about it. Dont waste your life feeling stuck and miserable and anxious- you deserve more than that i promise. On that note, i'm currently at Logan Botanic Gardens for a few weeks to help with the gardens and breathe and stuff. I was ridiculously anxious about coming here and leaving the comforting monotony of my life but I did it. I have my own room and its peaceful and green and the other helpers seem nice too. Still had to eat copious amounts of trail mix on my bed in a frenzied panic but i think i'm going to be okay. There was a big pile of pine cones at the door; i'm taking that to symbolise hope thank you very much. Plus my Spanish neighbour just played a few of my very favourite slightly obscure songs so there's another sign. If i find acorns i'll be extra sure that this was a great plan. There is an abundance of Sub tropical plants here so my camera will be out in force and my writers hat will be firmly on. Really though, i'm here to learn about the plants and gain some more practical experience of gardening and horticulture. My brain needs some stimulation, its getting old and cobwebby up there. Lets talk about pine. I love trees. I like to look at them ,to photograph them, to shelter under them, to hug them and just generally revel in their majesty. The ancestors of present day pine trees have survived n the earth since the Jurassic Age, 300 million years ago. Like the dinosaurs of the plant world. They, along with Gingkos, belong to the gymnosperm division, the oldest type of seed-bearing plants on the planet. How incredible is that? I've said it before and i'll reiterate it: trees carry so much wisdom. When allowed to grow naturally, pine trees rarely crowd each other, allowing sunlight to shine through the gaps and nourish the forest floor.This allows for a healthier, more nutrient packed undergrowth which is beneficial to the whole forest. Pine trees know how this life thing works. I feel like nature is a cleverly choreographed dance; each component ebbs and flows separately but ultimately it all works together and the result is beautiful. Pine trees are a symbol of hope according to the Language of Flowers and actually this one makes a lot of sense. They tend to grow in fairly harsh and challenging environments; I cant think of a more fitting symbol of hope as a tiny green seedling reaching up through rocky soil. The needles of a pine tree stay green even through harsh winters, a visual symbol of their abundant vitality. For a lot of us, the scent of pine is reminiscent of Christmas, a time most of us look forward to all year. Pine trees=Christmas=happy. In aromatherapy the scent is valued for its antibacterial, analgesic, diuretic, energizing, antiseptic, and aromatic properties. So an old round good guy.
Most of my piney pictures were taken at Yosemite NP last year. One of the most spectacular places i have ever visited for sure. I hiked for hours in the glorious California sunshine, feeling incredibly grateful and just a little bit sweaty. Now that i think about it, ambling through the shaded pine forests was one of my favourite parts; the scent of pine is so invigorating and comforting. In Mythology pines are thought of as benevolent, refreshing places where tired walkers can safely rest in the protective aura of the tree. I did rest and I felt protected so thank you Mr Pine. Next time you see a pine tree, which will likely be soon, i pray that you can feel the hopeful, energising spirit emanating from the tree. Pine trees often grow in inhospitable soil which provides other plant species a much softer, nutrient dense environment; he's a kind old soul. Give him a hug. |
LittlebirdJenna. Free spirit, flower enthusiast, seeker of truths. Archives
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