Tree Climbing

Walking out the door at a brisk pace, the sunshine perfectly illuminates the formed features of her face. She smiles, as the sun’s warmth washes over her body. Feeling a light breeze, she continues walking towards an unknown destination.

Crossing a quiet city street, she enters the local park. Looking around, she spots signs of life all around her. Green leaves on the trees, bird’s nests being managed by careful parents, little buds on rose bushes scattered throughout the area. After just a few moments inside the gates, she forgot all about the man made roads and edifices just lurking beyond the fence.

As she took the air around her into her lungs, the sweet smell of life renewing itself once again put her at ease. She chose a quiet spot deep within the park to stop. She looked up at the oak tree next to her, wondering what it would be like from the birds’ perspectives. Curious, she decided today would be the day to find out.

With her sandals off her feet, she could feel the fresh dew on the soft grass beneath her feet. She extended her right arm to its full length above her head and grabbed hold of one of the many branches growing out from the trunk. With a little push and some help from Mother Nature, she found a foothold and was quickly ascending the tree. She soon found herself in the canopy of this oak tree.

Peering through the leaves, she caught a first glimpse of the park. From this point, she was able to see to the other side of the park. She glanced around and wondered if anyone else had been inspired to climb this tree as she had been. Deep in her heart, she hoped the people in this world hadn’t become so narrow as to no longer appreciate both the beauty and simplicity of nature.

She let out a sigh of contentment. She could have stayed in this tree all day if she had a choice. But, she thought to herself, I should leave, just in case someone else feels the same way that I do. For, I am surely not the only one who appreciates such a view.

After landing on nature’s blanket, she turned to return her shoes to her feet. Upon doing so, she noticed a young girl staring at her. She waved to the little girl and offered a friendly smile. The girl returned the gesture and had a questioned expression on her face.

“Why were you climbing that tree?” the little girl asked.

The young woman simply replied, “Because, it’s something I enjoy.”

“Aren’t you a little old for climbing trees?” the girl continued. “My mother thinks I am, so you certainly must be.”

The young woman could see that this girl’s childhood was being torn away from her much too fast. She felt both angered and saddened by this. She thought for a moment and then said, “We are only as old as we feel inside. Just because our bodies age, doesn’t mean our spirit should. Plus, if you refuse to see something from every angle, you’ll always take a chance of missing out on the best part of it.”

The little girl smiled. “Really?” she asked. “So, I don’t have to stop climbing trees?”

“Never, ever stop doing something you love.” The girl’s face lit up after that statement and she ran toward the tree trunk at once. The young woman let out a small chuckle and began making her way back to the park entrance.

Even though she knew that her insight on life passed right over the young girl’s head, she felt as if she had done something good. She stopped a person from growing up too fast and giving up something she loved to do. She only wished she could do this for everyone, children and adults alike.

She crossed the quiet road once again and made her way back to her front door. But as she looked up her walkway towards her house, she stopped. Her head turned to a line of trees down her drive. She had always wondered what lie beyond them. Why should she leave this mindset on such a beautiful day, when so many adventures wait for her just around the corner? Why embrace the mundane?

She turned and started towards the line of trees, the spring breeze beckoning her. Stepping onto the grass, she left all thoughts of the manmade at the asphalt. Butterflies fluttered past her toward the closest trees sturdy branches, urging her on. She breathed nothing but the vibrant life around her.

She smiled to herself and started climbing once again. Never let your sense of wonder fade; keep it bright and eager. Seek out adventure; leave all fear behind you.