Tree-to-Tree: From the Lush Canopy – Underhanded and Ciphered – a Message to Thee. By William Van Zyl. Published in June 2021.

The Extravagant Podcast

Link to the article as a blog post - Five House Publishing: https://fivehousepublishing.com/2021/06/26/tree-to-tree-from-the-lush-canopy-underhanded-and-ciphered-a-message-to-thee/

EXCERPT:

Trees: Survival of the Friendliest – not Survival of the Fittest

"Survival of the fittest" often brings to mind a notion that physical strength and power are crucial to survival, but that's a misconception. Evolutionarily, the best refers to a species' ability to reproduce and create an environment where its offspring can flourish. Scientists have found that cooperating and forming solid relationships is often essential to species survival, and it's seen when we examine the evolutionary success of our human ancestors, apes, and even our dogs. For that reason, some might say friendliness actually beats out fitness when it comes to survival.

Trees are inherently friendly. The friendlier a tree, the better chances it has to survive. The book The Secret Life of Trees confirms the notion. It opposes Darwin's evolutionary theory of the fittest's survival (natural selection). Wohlleben points out that trees communicate on many levels. They help one another. They feed each other in crises times; they warn one another via chemical and electrical pulses – insect attacks, and more. This new knowledge is a game-changer.

Peter Wohlleben is the author of The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World (Photo: Tobias Wohlleben)

It is refreshing to realise that humans can prosper by helping others – just like trees.

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6 verse 38 New King James Version.

See the Red Mangrove from the sketchbook of the author. How would Mangroves communicate, considering their root systems and the surrounding saltwater? Environmentalists tend to think of mangroves’ ecological role mostly in terms of protection from storms and nurseries for fish. As climate change threatens to increase the frequency and severity of storms, mangroves provide a stout defence against storm surge. Mangrove roots also provide habitats for fish and shellfish, crucial to sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

So, as humans, what can we learn from trees?

Here are 4 simple things we can learn from trees standing together in the forest and under the same canopy.

1. Humans should love their neighbouring trees as themselves. Give.

Humans should uproot greed, selfishness, and self-indulgence with a vengeance. A caveat here, we should grow entrepreneurs with an unselfish character. This starts in schools and in the shaping of a nation's culture. The leaders have to model the way. For example, when a wealthy prime minister or president takes the lead by giving their salary — or half their salary — away to a charity. If they are rich and they can afford it. What a lofty and magnificent 'tree.'

2. It is not about the fittest surviving and eliminating the weak.

Think about an assumable 'dead stump' in the forest supported by surrounding trees for hundreds of years. We should look after our weak, frail, and special needs neighbours. Not the evolution model — for example, Darwinian theories — where the fittest survives at all cost. But, the Christian model:

Romans 13: verse 8 to 10

Verse 8: Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Verse 9: The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbour as yourself." Verse 10: Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore, love is the fulfilment of the law.3.

3. Alert others and stand up for what is right — fight the rot.

When damaging insects — or large herds of animals — attack a tree, the tree involved will alert the surrounding trees using a scented message. We should look out for one another. Show love, care and offer discreet advice to our neighbours. For example, receiving bad news and pandemics affects people and their income. Other attacks on 'trees' could be family violence, addictions, mental health issues, and more.

You are the salt of the earth – fight the rot.

4. Share, support, and serve.

Trees are unselfish. They give; they support surrounding trees. They know they are stronger together. They will survive longer if they work together. The tree-culture of sharing is terrific.

Ephesians 4 verse 28

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. New International Version.

More about the author: http://williamvanzyl.com/