Deep Roots

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Laurie Buchanan

Trees are among my favorite living things.

“Trees purify the air; they also purify the mind . . . if you want to save your world, you must save the trees.” —The Trees of Endor in J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,

Weathered tree roots along a high-and-dry portion of the West Fork Bitterroot River

When we look to trees—learn from and emulate them—we discover the ancient key to tranquility. We’re reminded that we, too, have deep roots and are meant to branch out into the world.

And while life seems to move faster and faster each day, when we stand still like trees, remaining rooted to what sustains us; we remember to take pleasure in nature and hold dear all who live here.

Trees are my personal reminder that deep roots allow me to bend in a storm—to be flexible—while still reaching for the sky.

If you could be any tree, what type would it be?

A Bend in the Sidewalk

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Laurie Buchanan

While Idaho is considered the “Gem State,” its capital — Boise — is known as the “City of Trees.” An unapologetic tree-hugger, I adore living in one of the historic preservation districts where trees are worked around, instead of cut down. Take this sidewalk for example:

Talk about forward thinking! From my perspective, this is planning extraordinaire. Where tree roots might potentially cause a sidewalk to buckle, they swerve around the base, giving the roots a wide and healthy berth.

Even where trees sit much further back from the sidewalk, they take root growth into consideration.

And so it is in life. With forethought, we too can offer healthy growing space to people, places, things, events, ideas, and opportunities.

What have you made room for?

Wisdom of the Trees

Posted on March 15, 2010 by Laurie Buchanan

Nature's Cathedral by Laurie Buchanan

Without a doubt, trees are my favorite things. As so eloquently spoken by The Trees of Endor in J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, “Trees purify the air; they also purify the mind . . . if you want to save your world, you must save the trees.”

Hidden under the rich soil is an enormous underpinning of roots; an intricate system that extends two to three times the radius of the crown. Deep roots anchor the tree; enabling it to dance without falter; to sway in unison with other trees in the unpredictable wind. When we look to trees—learn from and emulate them—we discover the ancient key to tranquility. We’re reminded that we, too, have deep roots and are meant to branch out into the world. And while life seems to move faster and faster each day, when we stand still like trees, remaining rooted to what sustains us; we remember to take pleasure in nature and hold dear all who live here. Trees are my personal reminder that deep roots allow me to bend in a storm—to be flexible—while still reaching for the sky.

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
~ Laurie Buchanan

Tuesdays with Laurie

"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." —Laurie Buchanan

Tag Archives: roots

Deep Roots

A Bend in the Sidewalk

Wisdom of the Trees