In July we need plants, plants, plants, trees, bushes, healing shadows.

Thank the Greek Gods, in Rhodes we are still nurtured by huge beautiful trees and shrubs. They do not only provide shade on the hottest summer days – this is their visible gift.

They also provide a sense of calmness and greater/different perspectives for the human psyche.

Trees create resonant spaces that can effect our consciousness. Why do you think it is a much different experience to sit under an old tree than under a parasol?

It is neither an accident that traditional Greek circle dances (which are community rituals) are danced under enormous old trees – you can find them by each little church and community square (platia).

Through a natural landscape and plants the world speaks to us.

That’s what makes a place a holy space.

It speaks to us.

And because ancient Greeks heard and understood this language, they named the certain entities inhabited in nature:

they were different kinds of Nymphs, the protectors of trees, waters, plants, mountains, caves, bees, and very specific local natural spaces all over Greece.

And they were mortal.

When a tree dies, the nature spirit dies with it. When a river is polluted, the river nymph (Naiad) dies with it.

Is this what we call today “green awareness” in postmodern language?

I think it is much more and deep seated sensitivity than our modern terms and views. The difference is important:

Are we acknowledging the “importance” of nature driven by a threat, by the urgency of desired actions from the place of fear and worry in order to survive?

Or:

Are we looking at the holy texture of life as a wonderful rythmic, ever-flowing order with all living entities in interconnection from the place of traquility fueled by love towards truth and creation?

In a more simple way:

Are we addressing matters with a survival brain? Is it driven by survival instinct?

Or: Are we able to sense existence with much further perspectives than survival?

Survival cannot be the goal.

We need resonant spaces and meaningful relationship with trees, plants, rivers, mountains, the sea, bees, caves and landscapes. We need them to speak to us.

We need holy spaces – even if tomorrow is the Apocalypse.

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