“Respect your elders.”
I like to think that I’m a decent practitioner of this advice.
I listen to old songs. I read old stories. I admire old monuments. I befriend older people.
But I’m only human. And I live in a culture that worships youth. As a result, I sometimes find it challenging to see the merits of old age.
Fortunately, I’ve discovered a solution: I walk through a forest.
When I walk through a forest, I am reminded by nature to respect my elders.
Old trees are especially good at providing these reminders — not through words but through their presence. Humans tend to feel a certain way when they’re surrounded by ancient trees. Science can’t fully explain why this happens, but it is a wonderful phenomenon.
During a recent walk through a forest, I encountered a few old eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis). Fantasies of eternal childhood vanished the moment I saw them. Sensing an opportunity to showcase what I witnessed, I decided to film the experience.
If you’re interested in seeing a few marvelous trees, check out the video!