January 7, 2023 - The Trees

I recently watched the film “Trees and Other Entanglements.” The film follows the lives of people and their interaction with trees. One man found solace in learning the skill of shaping Bonsai trees. Did you know that Bonsai means ‘tree in a pot?” The Bonsai trees are not special tiny seeds that grow into miniature trees in a pot.

The seedling that grows into a Bonsai tree can also be the seedling of a great oak tree. To keep the tree in its miniature size, the key is to “root prune” it and repot. Therefore, the inability to grow to its full size is consistent with the environment in which it grows. Yes, the skill of cultivating Bonsai trees is an ancient art form from China (over 1,000 years ago) and was later cultivated primarily by the Japanese.

Historically, nature has been given names that align with death and trauma - i.e., the lynching tree. Often, nature is brought into the quest for justice, but its authentic self is ignored and type-cast. Bonsai art skills are a part of Zen Buddhism praxis. We benefit from the human-manipulated dwarf trees known for their pruned branches and sideways posture. How cute is it to hold a tree in our hands?

Perhaps we can consider the theology and praxis of the tree. The tree's purpose is never fully expressed in a potted container. When potted, they are renamed “Bonsai trees," yet these beautiful trees inspire and provide mental health for many. How can beauty and inspiration be found in destruction and captivity? What does it mean when your destruction is systemic, and captivity is capitalistic? Without dismissing the significance of Bonsai trimming, let us consider our environment.

What and who (sometimes this person is us) possibly prevents you from achieving your goal - life’s purpose? As an ecowomanist who considers theology, cultural praxis, and ethics extremely valuable, how can we address systems that prevent us from growing as we pursue our goals? It’s not enough to tell someone to find the silver lining in the dark cloud of poverty, pollution, and militarization of the police. It’s not enough to enjoy our growth when others are restricted from reaching beyond the rigid borders to keep them from achieving their life’s goals. This world is such a beautiful place in that we all have an assigned goal, yet all are connected.

Just as trees nourish, protect, and provide beauty, we can work towards freeing ourselves and contesting systems that restrict our neighbors. I am not free if you are not free. The South African philosophy, Ubuntu, means “I am because you are.” In 1971, at the founding meeting of the National Women’s Political Caucus, Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) reminded us that “Nobody’s Free Until Everybody’s Free.” Today, take a moment to assign a duty towards freedom. Note that freedom is experienced not only by humans but also by all of Creation. Please write me your response:)

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