“What’s the deal with trees? Why do you like them so much?”
A friend recently asked me these questions.
He enjoys nature. He probably spends more time in the woods than I do. He knows that I love trees, but he doesn’t share the same passion.
Of course, I felt obligated to answer his questions. A simple “I can’t really put my feelings into words” wouldn’t suffice.
I proceeded to tell him about all the food and medicine that can be harvested from trees. I told him how trees can help us determine direction. I listed all the benefits to wildlife that trees provide. And I reminded him that trees produce oxygen.
Then I explained something that isn’t discussed in science books.
Trees make us feel small. When we stand next to big trees especially, we experience what I call the smallness-inducing effect.
The smallness-inducing effect allows us to comprehend the immensity of life.
I’m not sure why science books omit this information, but the smallness-inducing effect is incredibly powerful. It’s also a major reason I love finding big trees.
On a recent adventure through the woods, I rediscovered a big tree I had first encountered a few years ago. To this day, it’s still the largest tree of that particular species I have ever seen.
Do you recognize this tree? Check out the video to learn who it is!