Tuesday, November 3, 2009

I need trees!


Years ago when I moved to the Twin Cities, I lived in a highrise apartment building next to the freeway. It was surrounded by a huge parking lot. The area was full of other buildings surrounded by parking lots.

In order to see trees, I would have to peer out the 18th story window at the trees blocks away on the other side of the freeway. I lived in that place for the first year I was in college. It was incredibly stressful being in such an alien environment. No trees, no greenery, no beauty to embrace the senses.

After that experience, I realized that trees are vital to my mental health and well-being.

I am so grateful that I now live in a place where I am literally surrounded by trees! The area was a gravel pit in the early 20th century. Many years later, my building was erected at the base of the slope thus created. The slope rises over 100 feet and is covered with mature trees for its full length of half a mile. (The area is called Hidden Valley.) In addition, there is a wooded lot on the other side of the building outside my bedroom window.

These wonderful trees provide joy and beauty in every season. The provide peace, quiet, shade and oxygen. So, I find myself cuddled in the embrace of hundreds of trees. And I absolutely love it!

4 comments:

^..^Corgidogmama said...

Sounds delightful! I agree, humans were not meant to live in a concrete jungle. Trees, and color of the seasons are vital to our mental health! Glad you moved to a much better locale, that can offer these things to you now.

Sparrow chic said...

I live in the upper western part of Minnesota. Trees abound up here. I've had classmates leave town and return and make the comment, "Don't ever take all this for granted". LOL, the joke is on them, because I never do. Driving 20 miles back and forth to work, I joyfully watch all 4 seasons, including harvest time. My mother instilled a love for nature in all of us !! A gift that just keeps on giving. Thanks Mom !!

Olde Dame Penniwig said...

Oh lordy...you know I live in a place just a few miles from the deserted desert town of NO TREES...yep, NO TREES, TEXAS...We have 2 trees in our yard, and we are very thankful for them...it takes constant vigilance to keep them alive here.

Kittie Howard said...

I've only visited Minnesota once, thought it probably one of our most beautiful states (all of the states have their individual beauty, so I can't put any state at No. 1), all that greenery; so happy you now live among the trees. Actually, I can't imagine living in Minnesota without trees around. Enjoy!!