A Not-So-Ridiculous Question

Opening up to a new voice of wisdom.

In 2017 I met Nancy Herlin at an Enneagram personality typing workshop. At the time, I had just had a strange experience on a nature walk that left me with what I thought was a ridiculous question.

But Nancy’s confident response opened up a whole new spiritual world for me, simply by validating my experience.

Here’s what happened. And perhaps something like this has happened to you, too…

I was walking my dog, a very sweet and curious red heeler named Lila, along the greenbelt trail behind our house. We had only lived there a short time, and life felt like it was humming along nicely. Our restaurant was doing well. Our kids were healthy. It felt like we were on top of the world.

During the walk I came to a small clearing, and I immediately felt like there was something special about that spot.

I took out my AirPods and just stood there for a moment in the natural silence.

For some reason, I felt this desire to reach out and hold the delicate branch of a tree growing beside the path. As I held the branch, I felt myself become very grounded, very present. Almost as if I had plugged into that little patch of earth.

And then something unexpected happened.

I had a very clear thought. It was almost like a voice, or a message that didn’t originate with me.

It came through so clearly. I can remember the sensation of it today.

And the words were:

“Do not be afraid.”

So naturally, I was immediately a little afraid.

What was I supposed to be afraid of?

Life was good. The hardest part of opening a restaurant was behind us. We had just bought this great house. Everything seemed better than it had ever been.

So why would I be afraid? What was going to happen?

Eventually, after getting no answers to my follow-up questions, I decided to accept the moment simply as a connection. I tucked the phrase into a little pocket of my mind for safe keeping, which I did indeed need later on.

But I was still very curious about this whole business of talking to a tree.

So when I shared the story with my group at the Enneagram workshop, I asked what felt like a slightly ridiculous question:

Is it possible to talk to a tree?

Without missing a beat, Nancy said,

“Yes. You can absolutely talk to trees. And sometimes they even answer.”

What a gift!

Since then I’ve continued widening my acceptance of how the Divine might reach us. I keep releasing doubt and opening to wonder. That particular tree hasn’t spoken to me since, but Lila and I still like to visit her from time to time. Each visit I remember, Do not be afraid. And you know what? It helps. Every time.

This is what time in nature can do. It can call us into depth, quiet, wisdom, and enchantment. It can open us to messages and communication through sacred places and spaces all around us.

This is what Nancy and I discuss in our interview podcast,

Sacred Places and Eco Spirituality: Being led to a place you did not intend to go.

I hope you enjoy it! You can listen and watch here on Room to Evolve, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Leave a comment and let me know about your weird nature encounters and conversations with trees, plants, animals, or rocks!

May you walk in nature with wonder, and may you listen to wisdom that arrives in unexpected places.

Much love,
Jessica