Rooted In Wonder: The Beautiful Secrets Of Nature Through A Year Of Trees
We’re absolutely delighted to share yet another heartfelt contribution from one of our dear readers and fellow tree enthusiasts! It’s moments like these that truly celebrate our shared love for the majestic guardians of nature—our trees. With every story shared, we grow collectively richer in spirit and knowledge, reaffirming our dedication to exploring and preserving our green companions. Join us in this fascinating journey as we delve into a mesmerizing adventure, exploring the secrets unraveled over a year of tree discovery.
A Verdant Beginning
Last year started off with an unusual, yet vibrant twist for my family and me. After the revelry of the festive hustle and bustle, we embarked on a tree trail adventure to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. What began as a simple family outing quickly blossomed into a yearlong journey of tree-spotting and botanical exploration. Through the adventure that spanned cities across the country, from Mumbai to Bangalore, Agra, Kolkata and finally culminated in Shillong, every halt only added to my growing fascination with the giants that root our world.
Chasing Giants Across Cities
From the delicate Rosea Trumpet and striking Jarul to the breathtaking Amaltas, Kailash Pati, and the rare Hoka palm, my eyes and heart sought them all. But it’s the Rain trees—with their massive, sprawling canopies—that captured my spirit, making me search for them wherever I went. Understanding their rhythms—flowering seasons, the order of blooms—made every moment like decoding enchanting puzzle.
The crown jewel of this lush journey, undoubtedly, was the Banyan tree. Drawn by its mythical stories, we set our sights on seeing the two largest Banyans in the world— in Kolkata and Hyderabad. It felt serendipitous when, as if by Santa’s touch, a year-end trip to Kolkata took us straight to the Great Banyan at the Botanical Gardens.
The Enchanting Banyan Expedition
The walk to the tree was a journey in itself—a 2-km trail through palms, fan palms, and birdsong. From a distance, its canopy resembled a green mountain, almost like Sri Krishna lifting Govardhan. The closer we got, the more divided I felt—part of me wanted to rush to its heart, while the other part lingered, soaking in the sacred stillness around it. It was a spectacle of contrasts: the Banyan stood stoic and serene, while children and adults played, laughed, and chattered beneath its watchful gaze. A quiet giant reigning over its vivacious and dynamic domain. We were left spellbound by its magnificence- a living testament to the awe-inspiring scale of nature.
On approaching the tree, however I was filled with a bittersweet feeling- one of being “so close, yet so far”—an intimidating barricade stood between the tree and our much anticipated ramble through its prop roots. A quick chat with the guard helped us appreciate why and my daughter, ever the optimist, reminded me to focus on the joy of just seeing it. We marvelled at its vastness, tried counting our steps across its expanse (200 before we lost count!), and left with brimming hearts and memories of a nature’s miracle etched in our minds forever.
Nature’s Reflection
In a world driven by technology and relentless economic advancements, some might find it passé to pause and connect with the simplicity of nature. Yet it is this very observation that makes me question what we would miss if we didn’t. This introspection led me to two revelations: first, we would be deprived of the vast length, breadth and depth of knowledge with which the world around us enriches our perspective; and second, we would never experience the simple yet fulfilling joy that can be found in the intricate beauty of nature. I realised this as I witnessed the beauty of the Great Banyan— seemingly simple and unassuming, but in reality, an extraordinary masterpiece of creation, waiting for us to unravel its secrets.
Understanding the fundamental laws of nature provides a grounding that fuels innovation. And perhaps more importantly, exploring our own land reminds us that the grass can indeed be just as green on our side. This year, I found myself marveling at this wondrous truth.
As the year draws to a close, I feel inspired to take action—specifically, to plant trees. A wise man once pointed out that while we’ve become fixated on reducing carbon dioxide—a mission now monetized and commercialized—there’s far less focus on growing trees. Not just a few, but an abundance of them.
So, for the coming year, I manifest a new intention—to plant trees, and not just a few. The world needs them by the millions. Here’s to nurturing the earth, one tree at a time.
Conclusion
The importance of planting and preserving trees cannot be overstated. While planting new trees is crucial, preserving the majestic old trees that already grace our landscapes is even more important for our wellness, as the writer’s experiences in this article underscore. These venerable giants are not only storied sentinels of our past but also key to a healthier environment; they’re crucial in maintaining ecological balance, offering habitat for biodiversity, and providing us with the very air we breathe. Did you know that one mature tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide every year? This makes them vital allies in combating climate change.
Let’s carry forward the passion for tree conservation. Why not plant a tree today and nurture it for future generations? The green wonders of our world rely on us. Together, we can cultivate a legacy of green spaces and ensure that the secrets of nature continue to inspire generations to come.
About the author
With over 13 years of experience as a seasoned tax consultant both in India and globally, Priti transitioned into education following the birth of her child. She seamlessly blends her extensive experience in the corporate world with her deep passion for education and nature in her new role. A true nature lover, Priti’s heart beats for the planet and she thrives in the outdoors, often enjoying camping trips with her family. Embracing her roles as mother and educator, she weaves an appreciation for the earth into her teachings, nurturing a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. This article is a testament to her enthusiasm for nature and her dedication to sharing the beauty and secrets of our planet’s trees.
