Thanks. I agree. I'm just trying to figure out how best we can
proceed with something tangible.
On Jan 11, 2010, at 7:27 PM, James Parton wrote:
John,
I so agree. ENTS is often dominated by the art and obsession of
measuring trees. While I agree this should remain our greatest
strength, It should not be all we are about. Our group would be so
much more if our horizons were broadened. This would really help
broaden our membership and vary our discussions. There could be
something " treeish " for everybody. For example, trees in ficton,
trees in folklore, tree photography, tree art etc. There is so many
ways trees could be uplifted and celebrated. I introduced the website
to a woman that I worked with, some time back and she said she liked
the site but said " It's too scientific " I am not smart enough to be
a member. Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against ENTS scientific
aspects, I do well with that approach, I just feel that we could be so
much more. Something for everybody. But members have to make it
happen. Both old ones and ones just coming in. Comon' folks, we have
something to celebrate. Our best friends are the greatest beings on
earth! Let's celebrate leaf, twig & branch. Harooommm......
And yes, the Standing Ones rule!
James P
P.S. Jenny has set a wonderful example for us, and yes like Bob has
found out A familiar tree can become an old friend.
On Jan 8, 4:45 pm, "John Knuerr" <[email protected]> wrote:
Jenny's comment about what's happening to our soil got me to
thinking about
what Thomas Berry, noted geologian who passed away in June 2009,
once said:
"The Universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of
objects."
Treating the soil, or trees, or living creatures as objects allows
us to
continue to destroy beings and habitat. This, in turn, got me to
thinking
about our ENTS group. When I read Jenny's postings it's clear that
she sees
each bird as an individual being - a subject, not object. When Bob
first
took me into old growth forests, over time and repeated visits the
groves
gave way to individuals who over the 15 or so years have become
old friends
to me. On occasion, when I measure a tree, I do so with reverence.
It's an
encounter with another being that can bring a sense of wonder and
joy. Not
unlike measuring how much my grandchild has grown.
From the beginning, Bob has always hoped that ENTS would be a
celebration of
the Standing One's through science, history, poetry, music and
dance. In
these times of increasing devastation of the natural world by our
species, I
would love to see us explore how we can broaden our circle to the
younger
generation.
I'd appreciate others thoughts on this.
John
