Speak for the Trees

written by Liv Adao and Josie Hammond

Treehuggers, with the leaves falling and the snoopy jazz playing, we all know what’s right around the corner–turkey time!!!! Or if you’re non-meat eaters like both of us, tofurkey!!! No matter what you might be gathering around the table to eat, the purpose of it all is the same–to give thanks and express gratitude for the things in our lives we might otherwise take for granted.

It’s too often that we go through our lives not realizing how special things may be. We become so accustomed to the small pleasures that we forget to appreciate and recognize them for what they are. Yes, there are the classics like a full belly and a healthy body, but we, of course, are thinking of things that are more environmentally focused. The Earth is home to so many astounding wonders that we overlook every day simply because they have become normalized in our everyday lives. The beautiful fluff of overhead clouds as they pass by, the complex patterns of tree roots as they twine around the trail, the delicate sound of the wind passing through tree leaves. Imagine if it were your first day living here on Earth, and look around with new eyes. Watch as the world brightens and grows around you when you recognize the glorious strangeness of everything around you!!

But enough from us, let’s hear it from the OG:

This poem truly encapsulates the power of seeking gratitude in all of life. We especially like the last paragraph in which Mary Oliver says it is gratitude that we are given a mind and a heart. Yes, we are given a mind and a heart. A mind to think, speak, create, and inspire; a heart to love ourselves, others, and nature. And isn’t that gratitude in and of itself? So, use that mouth you are wonderfully given, and shout the joy of this gift of life!

Oliver preaches the message that gratitude, when done consistently and correctly, can carry one through life with delight and love. In a world that is constantly going 100 miles a second, gratitude forces us to slow down and truly ground ourselves in our present moment and surroundings. To really look around at the room you’re sitting in, the sun that’s warming you–hell, even the phone you’re probably scrolling on to read this! Gratitude allows us to really look at all of these things and appreciate them, which allows us to feel more fulfilled and whole. Gratitude, when done properly, is about the joy it brings to the giver just as much as the receiver. In the same way that giving a gift to a friend makes you feel happy even though you haven’t gained anything tangible, gratitude offers the giver an enhanced sense of self and surroundings.

Even more specifically, it’s important, now more than ever, to recognize with gratitude the world that we live in in order to give it the proper respect and care that it deserves. The damage we’re seeing done to the Earth every day is a result of this forgetfulness and willful ignorance towards the majesty of the world we live in. Therefore, gratitude is a powerful tool to add to your tool belt when fighting for the environment and Mother Nature. When we recognize the beauty of the world, we feel that much more dedicated to preserving it.

Thank you for reading, Tree Huggers! Your homework for this week is to eat all the food you can fit in your stomach, and tell your friends and family–and some trees–that you’re grateful for them!!! We at Speak for the Trees are certainly grateful for each and every one one of you. Happy Thanksgiving, until next time 🫡