Celebrate the Zen Trees

Arbor Day is coming up April 30th and its another great day for celebrating this fabulous planet we live on! Trees, beautiful and resource-rich trees, are the highlight!

When I think of my travels, and the places in nature I feel most peaceful and connected, trees and forests come to mind. There is something awe-inspiring about the massive redwood tree or a grove of aspens in the autumn sunshine. We see the dance between wind and wood as palm trees flex and willow branches sway. The textures of bark and distinctive leaf patterns provide infinite possibilities for design.

It seems every spring I look off my deck at the red oak tree growing nearby and think to myself, “it didn’t survive the winter, it isn’t going to have any leaves this year” as the tips of the branches appear barren when the other trees are showing pretty pink and green buds. Then I am always impressed when the leaves begin to emerge. And finally, come early summer, this particular tree, whose branches extend over my preferred al fresco dining space, showcases some of the largest oak leaves I ever see! Who doesn’t delight in the birdlife that nest in the trees and provide melodies for us to enjoy?! As a child (and truthfully even as a proper grown adult!) I would climb into the branches of the trees, find a shady perch and read or just enjoy the vertical vantage point of my surroundings. The simple pleasures!

The underground life of trees is just as remarkable and amazing as their above-ground demeanor. There are connections and communication systems that rival any of our modern-day Internet capabilities. Mother Nature has her s**t together!

To celebrate Arbor Day I am sharing a few of the zen doodle designs that I’ve created that highlight these living, breathing, air-purifying, sheltering, beautiful natural gems. Zen doodling is one outlet I utilize regularly to express creativity and find a relaxing head space. I first learned about zen doodling when I was observing a client in a school setting, specifically in an elementary grade art class. The simplicity of the wandering nature of doodling combined with a loose structure appealed to me and I immediately embraced this method for line art. It became a daily ritual. So. Many. Journals. Of. Zen.Doodles. A future post will highlight those beginning doodles with some easy instructions for creating your own, but for today I will celebrate the zen tree designs that emerged later.

Hopefully you will be inspired to hug a tree, increase awareness of consumption patterns that diminish these natural resources, and do your part to preserve our forests. Maybe even plant your own tree!