To the Reader: Of all the teachers I have known, I've found none greater than trees. Having a rough time? Trouble coping with all that Life's throwing at you: storms, drought, hardship, loss? Need a little inspiration? Some advice? Go sit under a tree. An old one, gnarled, with missing limbs, twists, turns, and knotholes. Still haven't got it? Sit some more. Lay your head against a great root and fall asleep--to the lullaby of wind through leaves or needles. Wake up to the sight of blue sky--or clouds or sun or moon--through a tracery of branches. If your troubles remain, try the same thing tomorrow and as often as you can. You will find a generous measure of wisdom and of peace.

It worked for Buddha, after all, and for countless seekers of many cultures and many times. I remember vividly the night I walked a country road, feeling very low. There were stars in the sky, but the night seemed black and life itself devoid of hope and promise. Then I caught the silhouette of a spreading oak against the stars, and in an instant I knew something important, something that trees know: When life is hard and you're not sure what to do, reach. Reach for the light, reach for where you're rooted. Survive and endure. Grow through whatever hardship comes your way. Stay rooted and strive.

Even if you never grasp your goals (what tree actually reaches the sun?), you will attain something greater: your true self. You will fulfill yourself and somehow add something of value and beauty to the world. And how long should you go on doing this? Only for as long as you live. I have learned a lot from trees: sometimes about the weather, sometimes about animals, sometimes about the Great Spirit. -- Walking Buffalo These trees shall be my books. -- William Shakespeare.