Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God’s first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself. – John Muir
Among the scenes which are deeply impressed on my mind, none exceed in sublimity the primeval forests undefaced by the hand of man. No one can stand in these solitudes unmoved, and not feel that there is more in man than the mere breath of his body. - Charles Darwin
"Ascension" excerpt
In and around trees, people feel they are a part of something bigger…
…as we do at the ocean or beneath the night sky. The photographs sometimes seem simply to be an excuse to play, to have adventure in nature. Some participants spontaneously climb or dance or swing in a tree. Some share stories of how they found sanctuary under or in one special tree as children. Over the years, I’ve learned that the experiences we have making the photographs are as important, perhaps more important, than the photographs themselves. And so a larger purpose has emerged from this work-play, with social, environmental and spiritual elements…
The mission of The TreeSpirit Project:
To share my love of trees and nature, to create TreeSpirit photographs in community gatherings with the intention that people’s experiences and the resulting images encourage and inspire people to feel and express their own unique connection to nature.
To raise awareness of the critical roles trees play in our lives both globally—cleansing earth, air, and water—and also personally—enriching our daily lives in immediate, inexplicable ways by their very presence. – Jack Gescheidt, 2011
Although the making of each TreeSpirit image is a unique and unpredictable experience, being among trees and feeling connected to them is an ancient, reliable alchemy. Humans and trees have been connected, interdependent, for thousands of years, and still are. In practical, scientific terms, we need trees to survive as a species.
We humans may only be here for a brief stay in the cosmic picture, but we have the tremendous power of free will to shape our world. Many of us in technologically advanced cultures have forgotten the ancient wisdom trees and other life forms patiently hold. Among them are the simple, profound feelings of wonder of being alive. If we cherish Earth’s myriad living organisms, even perceive all life as one organism we are a part of, we can alleviate tremendous and needless suffering, rekindle in our hearts a reverence for the interconnectedness of all living creatures, and feel the joy and wonder this realization brings.
Go out among trees, even hug some, and share with others what you feel.
- Jack Gescheidt, TreeSpirit Project founder, photographer
Have questions? Want more information? Email Jack.