Each year at this time our inboxes swell, and our social media feeds overflow with invitations to better ourselves, to set new intentions and fill ourselves with inspiration for positive change a.k.a. ‘resolutions'. Like every seed hosts a potential tree, so do our ideas host potential for ourselves, our communities, and the world.
Resolution is an interesting word. It comes from the Latin root word resolvere which means "to loosen, loose, unyoke, undo; explain; relax; set free; make void, dispel." Loosening, relaxing, dispelling – that does not sound ideal for a New Year’s Resolution, and frankly appears to be the opposite of what we think of when we hear the word.
The Online Etymology Dictionary offers insight into the definition that we more often hew towards. It says that resolute/-tion comes “from the notion of ‘process of resolving or reducing a non-material thing into simpler forms’ (late 14c.), as is that of ‘power of holding firmly, character of acting with a fixed purpose’.”
Looking at both opposing definitions, it is easy to see the tension that exists at the heart of a resolution. Flexible yet firm, loose but also fixed. This image brings to mind my favorite subject – trees.
What better example than a tree of tension in equilibrium? When I look at trees I can feel their resoluteness, I see them holding firm and acting with a fixed purpose – stretching toward the sun for energy and rooting deep for nourishment. However, I also see their ability to sway in the wind, to be loose when occasion warrants. This flexibility is, to some degree, unexpected from a tree. When you place your hand upon the swarthy bark of an Oak, I doubt flexibility is the first thought that crosses your mind. Likely it is something more akin to stalwart, strong, or immovable.
This juxtaposition inspires me, offering prompts of what is possible, of the potential to astound, as Edison says. Nature has functioned as an inspiration to our species for eons. Inspired by birds, we took to the skies; inspired by forests we constructed cathedrals. However, inspiration has a unique duality that may not be immediately clear.
Inspiration is something that stimulates you mentally. It also has another definition we think of less often: breathing in. Breathing is something that we all must do to stay alive. Infusing our cells with the revitalizing molecules of oxygen is a bodily reflex – the result of our self-perpetuating engines of skin, bone, and brain.
Breath, therefore, is incredibly powerful. Without it, we cease to exist. In fact, in Latin ‘Spiritus’ or spirit means breath. And a spirit is an animating force.
So, what entity on this planet provides the animating force – oxygen (spirit), the literal source of inspiration and animation for human beings and endless other creatures? Trees. Yes, those humble beings model for us the very essence of spirit and flexibility needed to achieve our resolutions – both immediate and long-term.
So why do we ignore them? Destroy them? Discard them from our daily thoughts as mere decoration? Because we move too fast. Because for thousands of years of human history we have been taught to see ourselves as superior beings – all elements of Earth existing only to serve us. Perhaps, 2025 is the year to shift this perspective? Even if it is just you – one individual - you might be shocked at what transpires when you start observing the more-than-human world with greater intention.
Could spending more time in the forest – with its higher concentrated doses of oxygen – allow for deeper levels of inspiration, mentally and physically? Could the forests be the place to free yourself, as Lorca says, from pure imagination, from just continually thinking about something; and actually inspire you to action?
As the writer Derek Sivers outlined in his book Hell Yeah or No:
“Nothing is truly inspiring unless you apply it.”
So, let’s agree to jump into 2025 with a vigor, vitality, and focus not previously seen. Let’s agree to spend more time in the forest – inspiring and resolving – and bringing your own unique ideas to life. Remember, you might be astounded at what you are capable of once you begin to take action.
With a little help from the trees, of course.
Comments