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Saturday, June 9, 2018

Greenly Greens



When you enter the forest,
walk with an open heart,
with good intention.
Greet the tree beings,
and all who live there.

The forest knows
you are coming.

At the trailhead,
it sends messages about you
through its root system.
If we walk unthinkingly,
with heavy boots,
the ferns and bushes 
tremble.

So tread softly,
with kindness.
Let your good heart
bathe in green energy.
Breathe in peace.
Breathe out gratitude.

Thank all that is alive
in the greenest of greens,
from gigantic cedar
to lowly slug.

Remember 
you are walking
in their territory.




I was taught this by a young Nuu chah nulth woman, Gisele Martin, who gives workshops about the history and protocals of the first people to live on this land, who were and are its guardians for thousands of years.

I am fortunate to have this forest a short walk from my apartment. There is a long interconnected system of trails, so that many can enjoy the peace of the forest. Shared with the Poetry Pantry at Poets United. Do come and join us.


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23 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 9, 2018 at 11:35 AM

    Old growth with so much wisdom at walking distance! how magical and wonderful - to be able to wander into another world, to be present and aware - to be grateful for the energies offered. Walk softly and carefully indeed, with purpose of course, in mind. How special!

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  2. MaryJune 9, 2018 at 1:37 PM

    Thank you, Sherry, for this. I think we have to tread lightly in the forest....and in life. Keeping one's heart open is important. We must be listeners rather than speakers. The forest, and nature in general, has so much to teach us! Beautiful message, Sherry.

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  3. Rosemary Nissen-WadeJune 9, 2018 at 5:04 PM

    I love this! Our indigenous people here teach a similar respect and communication.

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  4. JulianJune 10, 2018 at 1:12 AM

    Oh yes, those Dryads in the trees deserve more respect and for nature to be left in peace.

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  5. brudbergJune 10, 2018 at 2:01 AM

    I love to be a visitor in a forest like this... too many forests are more tree plantations these days...

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  6. Sanaa RizviJune 10, 2018 at 2:03 AM

    This is beyond beautiful, Sherry!💞 I agree one must tread lightly and be humble around nature and in every aspect of life.💞

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  7. Sumana RoyJune 10, 2018 at 2:38 AM

    Aah...To respect every form of life...hope we learn this sooner. So much gratitude in every word is here.

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  8. ThotpurgeJune 10, 2018 at 2:55 AM

    Remember
    you are walking
    in their territory... they should put this up as a warning sign outside forests.. so true.

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  9. Old EggJune 10, 2018 at 4:00 AM

    We must be wary too of those with chain saws who see nothing but dollars in old growth forests. It seems as though we have been born into a mad world that can't see the future that trees can.

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  10. Gillena CoxJune 10, 2018 at 6:50 AM

    Luv your call to forest bathing
    Happy Sunday Sherry

    Much♥️love

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  11. annell4June 10, 2018 at 7:24 AM

    This be a good poem!!! If only....

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  12. Neeraj KhankaJune 10, 2018 at 8:51 AM

    It is always a pleasure walking through forests - mysterious and peaceful.

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  13. Magaly GuerreroJune 10, 2018 at 9:08 AM

    I love that this reads like a how to guide for a perfect forest walk. I bet the trees and all living things approve. :-)

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  14. colleenJune 10, 2018 at 9:36 AM

    We went on a walk last week and a robin hopped ahead in the lead. The firepinks were stunning Thanks for this poetic reminder.

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  15. totomaiJune 10, 2018 at 9:51 AM

    I love this one, Sherry. I always feel that we are unwelcome guests by the forest but still they treat us well. The poem is comforting.

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  16. SusanJune 10, 2018 at 12:46 PM

    "it sends messages about you
    through its root system."

    Powerful, to think of its consciousness. How beautiful! I will walk kindly.

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  17. ZQJune 10, 2018 at 12:57 PM

    That is why I walk slowly and see each step I take. Another one of your ancient Nature's prayer.
    ZQ

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  18. Kim M. RussellJune 10, 2018 at 1:41 PM

    I always greet the trees, Sherry! This is my kind of poem - I love it.

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  19. Vivian ZemsJune 10, 2018 at 2:55 PM

    Wonderful instructions to respect nature...love it.

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  20. C. SandlinJune 10, 2018 at 3:12 PM

    Lovely reminder to be respectful enough to listen when out & about

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  21. Wendy BourkeJune 10, 2018 at 5:28 PM

    A lovely piece, Sherry, that gently cascades to a reflective and reverent close.

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  22. kaykualaJune 10, 2018 at 5:36 PM

    Breathe in peace.
    Breathe out gratitude.

    It is the acknowledgement that we extend, yes Sherry, the gratitude of being in peaceful surroundings that count most!

    Hank

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  23. Maude LynnJune 12, 2018 at 8:29 AM

    This is just beautiful!

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Thank you so much for visiting. I appreciate it and will return your visit soon.