I love Beth's story and believe humans have a special relationship with trees. So many of us go to the woods to be energized and healed. Many thanks for the beautiful presentation.
I’m not sure if I totally believe in the idea of trees as “teachers,” but there’s definitely something calming about being in nature, can't argue with that.
So beautiful. I spent this morning worrying and doing some quick, out of season pruning on a beloved elderberry tree struggling with a blight or infestation I can't quite identify. Thank you, Beth, for the reminder that this relationship goes both ways, that these trees we love share their own wisdom, teachings, and care. I'm still worried for that elderberry... but I'm just as inspired by its stubborn will to live, its generous offering of fruit even in times of challenge, and its stiff-backed (so to speak) courage through it all. The BARK practice Beth shares truly is a helpful guide in recognizing the spiritual wisdom of trees.
“Spiritual ecologist” - wow, that’s it, isn’t it? If we just open ourselves to what else is alive around us, we can find comfort and wisdom. You say it so well and remind me of the big oak behind my house - scarred by a lightening strike but still not only alive but GROWING. So much to learn if we’re open.
Drawing on traditions like the Finnish love for forest walks, the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku" or forest bathing, and the American pursuit of calm in nature, I love how you encourage a deeper connection with trees to navigate personal and global challenges. Your insights remind us that by paying attention to these "wise elders," we can find guidance, hope, and healing in the natural world. It was a great talk and a fun story. Thank You!
I absolutely loved the story about Colin the dog. It really made me reflect on how we all sometimes need a little push to get us out of tough situations.
This talk had me on the edge of my seat when you did it live. We are so disconnected from the world around us, these days. Thank you for bringing us back to our roots!
"In her own time, she had healed. And in my own time, I knew I could heal as well." Our tree elders are around us. Surround us. Their resiliency is such a powerful guide. Are we listening? Thank you, Beth. What a barkin' great TED Talk!
Man Beth really went through it... glad she was able to find solace and draw so much strength from her tree friend... it sounds like a very cool one too!
Such a profound reminder to take a minute and learn from nature. Trees and nature are resilient in the face of so much adversity, and can provide a peaceful place to reflect and focus. I also love BARK! Thanks for the words of wisdom!
I just did a huge drive across the bottom half of Australia and let me tell you if trees are your thing that's something to check out for sure! You can tell just by looking at them how much they've been through
This is such an important message in these crises times. Listen and learn from our arboral kin who have weathered millions of years of crisis and change. Watching this as I sit under my backyard Maple and feeling connected to her wisdom and witness.
Whenever things at home were getting a bit too much my brother and I used to drink mushroom tea and then go to the botanical gardens to hang out with the trees!! A very different context I know lol but still such a beautiful experience every time.
Like Beth's other work with the Center for Spirituality in Nature, this talk inspires us to step away from the distractions of daily life into the deeper space offered by nature in which we can connect spiritually. Thank you!
Thank you for this... I recently went interstate with my wife for an exhibition she wanted to see, it was a long train ride and she hadn't slept well the night before so by the time we got there she was already so grouchy and picking fights. We had a bit of time before the slot we had tickets for and there was this cool sort of forest/park nearby so we went for a walk through it and at one point she just went over and leaned up against this one particular tree and when she came back she was like "okay I'm good" I didn't really understand but I didn't want to question her on it lol but this does a great job explaining it so thank you!
There was something she said around halfway through about a plant twisting and turning around obstacles to get to the sun and it made me think of when I was living behind this shop on a pretty main road but I had a little garden and tried growing sunflowers... silly idea really there wasn't much sun and they weren't strong enough to stand on their own but watching them kind of snake along the ground to the sunny spots was so cool and it always reminded me to be tough and look for the sweet spots!!
Thank you this is so meaningful to me, I live next to a Forrest and I feel a protected and guided by my tree friends as I age , they are teaching me how to adapt to my disabilities .
I used to have a massive tree in the middle of my backyard and I loved just sitting under it and reading. Never thought about the other things it might have been doing other than providing shade but it's the thing I miss most after moving house
This talk is making me think about nature differently! Like I've never thought about trees at all really lmao let alone as them being "teachers" but it does make sense!!
I gotta say, I didn’t expect a talk about trees to be this emotional. The way she shares her grief and how the tulip tree helped her cope is just... wow. Really amazing stuff.
Beth, l just listened to your talk. It was so beautiful and powerful and I loved that you were so grounded and yourself even as you were polished. Thank you for sharing--I will try BARK ing thanks to you.
Beth, your story was beautiful. You always have been the rock for your family and friends and I’m so happy you found a safe place to grieve. I’m so proud of you and your brilliance.
Thanks for this important reminder that trees are remarkable in so many ways. Their wisdom only requires that we make the time to listen. Wisdom freely given. Such a timely message. Thanks
Wonderful. I've known Beth for 4 years and I've known her commitment to realizing and sharing information about how trees help human beings. They are not just objects at our disposal, but they are aware beings who have a history on the Earth and a wisdom that we as humans might be ready to re-learn from. Thank you for this awesome presentation.
Beth's insights and reflection on trees is exactly what we humans need in striving for healing and wholeness. I recently visited a grove of Sequoias in CA and can attest to the power of being present to trees and being changed for the better.
Beth’s story allowed me feel between the lines. As caregivers we carry on and put off giving of ourselves to ourselves. As Beth reminds us Nature cares for us and we need to stop and embrace her support.
0:53 Amazing person teaching from her passion for everything in nature. Her love for it is the same love she shares . Strong, resilient, protective just like the tree. Thanks for sharing Sissy.
Immerse yourself in this talk, where the ancient whispers of trees become a chorus of wisdom for our troubled times. Her words are like roots, grounding us in the earth's timeless knowledge, while her insights reach skyward like branches, offering hope and resilience. Beth doesn't just speak about trees; she becomes their voice, translating centuries of silent strength into a language our hearts can understand. This talk is a gentle invitation to step away from the cacophony of modern life and lean into the quiet wisdom of our leafy elders. Let Beth's simple yet profound practice be the key that unlocks a world of natural guidance and comfort. As you listen, feel the sap of hope rising within you, nourishing a renewed connection to the world around us. This isn't just a talk - it's a seed of transformation, ready to grow into a mighty oak of understanding in the forest of your mind.
This makes me think of a very specific tree lol it was on the platform of where I caught the train to work when I was at a job that was seriously stressful. Like my stomach was a pit every morning but I started just putting my hand on one of its branches while I'd wait for the train and it was really calming. I'd think if this poor train can thrive on this platform with all these names carved into surely I can too.
I like the idea of just feeling out for a tree teacher... I think it would be such a nice moment once you've find them but I dont live near any spots that have a lot of trees so not sure how I'd go about finding one!
I understand what she’s saying about numbing grief, but I think there’s a point where pushing it away becomes unhealthy. We should allow ourselves to feel, not just keep going for the sake of others.
This whole idea of learning from trees is interesting, but I don’t know if I’d go so far as to look to trees for personal guidance? Maybe I'm missing something or maybe the trees where I live just aren't that interesting 😂
I love Beth's story and believe humans have a special relationship with trees. So many of us go to the woods to be energized and healed. Many thanks for the beautiful presentation.
This reminds me of when I was a kid, climbing trees all day. Maybe it's time to reconnect with that childlike wonder!
I didn't know trees could live hundreds of years even after being damaged. That’s really beautiful to think about
The whole experience with the tulip tree was so moving. It's incredible how nature can provide us with strength and healing when we need it most.
I’m not sure if I totally believe in the idea of trees as “teachers,” but there’s definitely something calming about being in nature, can't argue with that.
I love how she blends spirituality and ecology. It feels like a much-needed perspective for these times
The trees will heal us if we take the time to listen. They remind us we are worthy to receive. Thank you, Beth.
So beautiful Amber. Thank you so much.
So beautiful. I spent this morning worrying and doing some quick, out of season pruning on a beloved elderberry tree struggling with a blight or infestation I can't quite identify. Thank you, Beth, for the reminder that this relationship goes both ways, that these trees we love share their own wisdom, teachings, and care. I'm still worried for that elderberry... but I'm just as inspired by its stubborn will to live, its generous offering of fruit even in times of challenge, and its stiff-backed (so to speak) courage through it all. The BARK practice Beth shares truly is a helpful guide in recognizing the spiritual wisdom of trees.
There are so many different ways that trees are beautiful! We just need to take the time to observe and appreciate 💜
“Spiritual ecologist” - wow, that’s it, isn’t it? If we just open ourselves to what else is alive around us, we can find comfort and wisdom. You say it so well and remind me of the big oak behind my house - scarred by a lightening strike but still not only alive but GROWING. So much to learn if we’re open.
Love the idea of BARK as a practice. Will definitely be going to look for my special tree 💚💚
Thank you, Beth, for sharing those compelling stories. And oh those amazing trees. Wise elders indeed.
This absolutely amazing Mom. I am so proud of you.
Thanks, Erin!
Thank you, Leah!
Trees healing despite their damage... That metaphor for personal healing is so deep. We can be hurt and still keep growing, just like them.
Drawing on traditions like the Finnish love for forest walks, the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku" or forest bathing, and the American pursuit of calm in nature, I love how you encourage a deeper connection with trees to navigate personal and global challenges. Your insights remind us that by paying attention to these "wise elders," we can find guidance, hope, and healing in the natural world. It was a great talk and a fun story. Thank You!
I know you get it George!
I absolutely loved the story about Colin the dog. It really made me reflect on how we all sometimes need a little push to get us out of tough situations.
Such a beautiful way of thinking about them! Spending time in nature can be such a restorative experience, I don't think enough people realize that
Oh, yes 💚 Tree friends, tree teachers. Thank you for the work you do!!
This talk had me on the edge of my seat when you did it live. We are so disconnected from the world around us, these days. Thank you for bringing us back to our roots!
The trees remember everything. If you truly "listen", they will "talk" to you...I love trees...❤
~APRIL LIPKE
Our true nature watching and waiting with wise wonder…in the forest - thank you!
Thank you Jacquie. You get this!
"In her own time, she had healed. And in my own time, I knew I could heal as well." Our tree elders are around us. Surround us. Their resiliency is such a powerful guide. Are we listening? Thank you, Beth. What a barkin' great TED Talk!
Ha! Thanks, Melissa. Are we listening? Isn't that the question. I hope so.
This talk brought back memories of my grandma's apple orchard. She always said those trees had stories. Guess she was right.
I love looking at a good tree! I know exactly what she means by how they grow despite their injuries and it does give you a sense of wonder
Man Beth really went through it... glad she was able to find solace and draw so much strength from her tree friend... it sounds like a very cool one too!
Thank you for BARK! I will try it on my morning walk tomorrow. ❤
Thx so much! Hope you find it helpful.
Such a profound reminder to take a minute and learn from nature. Trees and nature are resilient in the face of so much adversity, and can provide a peaceful place to reflect and focus. I also love BARK!
Thanks for the words of wisdom!
This is really making me feel like I need to spend more time in nature.
I just did a huge drive across the bottom half of Australia and let me tell you if trees are your thing that's something to check out for sure! You can tell just by looking at them how much they've been through
I absolutely love this! I think if everyone adopted this concept, the peace we could create would be felt for generations!
Yes and yes!!
This is such an important message in these crises times. Listen and learn from our arboral kin who have weathered millions of years of crisis and change. Watching this as I sit under my backyard Maple and feeling connected to her wisdom and witness.
Love this Avery. Maples have so much to say!
Her resilience is so inspiring. Dealing with so much loss and still finding strength in nature is really powerful
Thanks for this inspiring message and how to unlock the wisdom of trees!
Thx so much Phyllis!
I used to meditate under this tree that was in my backyard and I never felt more grounded and present. Having to move was heartbreaking.
I can relate so much to your talk. In troubled moments, or with questions, I turn to Nature. I have been taught so much.
Yes! I have as well.
This is so incredibly moving. It makes me look differently at the world around me! Thank you for this wisdom 🌲
So glad Emily!
Whenever things at home were getting a bit too much my brother and I used to drink mushroom tea and then go to the botanical gardens to hang out with the trees!! A very different context I know lol but still such a beautiful experience every time.
A tangible reminder of the gift of nature. Beautifully done, Beth Norcross!
Thanks so much, Kaeley. I know you know.
Like Beth's other work with the Center for Spirituality in Nature, this talk inspires us to step away from the distractions of daily life into the deeper space offered by nature in which we can connect spiritually. Thank you!
What a beautiful description of our shared work in the world. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing! Nature can be a comfort in difficult times.
Thank you Shauna!
Thank you for this... I recently went interstate with my wife for an exhibition she wanted to see, it was a long train ride and she hadn't slept well the night before so by the time we got there she was already so grouchy and picking fights. We had a bit of time before the slot we had tickets for and there was this cool sort of forest/park nearby so we went for a walk through it and at one point she just went over and leaned up against this one particular tree and when she came back she was like "okay I'm good" I didn't really understand but I didn't want to question her on it lol but this does a great job explaining it so thank you!
Love this! BARK, excellent acronym
Thank you Jean!
There was something she said around halfway through about a plant twisting and turning around obstacles to get to the sun and it made me think of when I was living behind this shop on a pretty main road but I had a little garden and tried growing sunflowers... silly idea really there wasn't much sun and they weren't strong enough to stand on their own but watching them kind of snake along the ground to the sunny spots was so cool and it always reminded me to be tough and look for the sweet spots!!
I’ve enjoyed a long relationship with trees. Now I have BARK to more fully engage❤
Thank you Joanne. I know you so appreciate these spiritual beings!
Thank you this is so meaningful to me, I live next to a Forrest and I feel a protected and guided by my tree friends as I age , they are teaching me how to adapt to my disabilities .
Such a lovely image. Thx so much for sharing.
Such a beautiful message and I agree there's still so much we have to learn about the trees and our connection to them
I needed this. been feeling lost lately and this bark thing might just help me find my way.... thanks.
Thanks for sharing. Nature can really be a comfort in difficult times.
Yes Shauna!
this is such a powerful talk! Learnt a lot!
So glad!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and highlighting an important aspect of our lives!!
You are so welcome!
Dealing with anxiety, and the idea of trees being steady through centuries is oddly comforting. Gonna try this BARK thing.
Wonderful. Thanks for sharing your wisdom Beth. I have to go find my tree now.
Thx so much Maya. Careful out there hugging those desert trees. They’re spiky!
I used to have a massive tree in the middle of my backyard and I loved just sitting under it and reading. Never thought about the other things it might have been doing other than providing shade but it's the thing I miss most after moving house
This talk is making me think about nature differently! Like I've never thought about trees at all really lmao let alone as them being "teachers" but it does make sense!!
What a beautiful and inspiring talk. I love the idea of BARK and will be trying that out next time I am in the forest near where I live.
Thank you, Sarah! Anywhere anytime - there is a tree just waiting for you -- from a magnificent redwood to a scrubby Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
Beth thanks for sharing your heartfelt story
You are so welcome!
I gotta say, I didn’t expect a talk about trees to be this emotional. The way she shares her grief and how the tulip tree helped her cope is just... wow. Really amazing stuff.
So well said! We can learn so much from going out in nature..
Yes Steve!
Beth, l just listened to your talk. It was so beautiful and powerful and I loved that you were so grounded and yourself even as you were polished. Thank you for sharing--I will try BARK ing thanks to you.
What a lovely testimonial. Thx so much!
Yes, if we learn to slow down, spend time in nature and learn to listen for their messages. What an inspiring idea. I'm ready to get out there!!
Me too Judi.
What a powerful message. Colin was a natural BARKer as well, it must run in the family. Thank you for your work!
Love it! You caught my joke. Thx for your kind words.
Such an important idea to share!
Beth, your story was beautiful. You always have been the rock for your family and friends and I’m so happy you found a safe place to grieve. I’m so proud of you and your brilliance.
Thank you Kathie. It means a lot to me.
Thanks for this important reminder that trees are remarkable in so many ways. Their wisdom only requires that we make the time to listen. Wisdom freely given. Such a timely message. Thanks
Wisdom freely given. Lovely Anne.
Wonderful. I've known Beth for 4 years and I've known her commitment to realizing and sharing information about how trees help human beings. They are not just objects at our disposal, but they are aware beings who have a history on the Earth and a wisdom that we as humans might be ready to re-learn from. Thank you for this awesome presentation.
Thanks so much Lilli. I know how important these sacred beings are to you.
Thank you for sharing this wisdom, Beth! Need to find my teacher tree ASAP
Be careful hugging those palm trees!
What an inspiring message, Beth! Thank you for sharing these moving personal stories and inviting us to embrace the wisdom of trees. 👏👏👏
You are so welcome Allen! I know you know.
Oh my days why did I start to choke up when she talked about going into the wood to see the tulip tree?
Beth's insights and reflection on trees is exactly what we humans need in striving for healing and wholeness. I recently visited a grove of Sequoias in CA and can attest to the power of being present to trees and being changed for the better.
Thank you Ann!
You were the first to introduce me to the spirituality of trees. My forest walks have never been the same.
That means a lot, Michelle. Thanks for watching and responding.
I liked the stuff about kinship and community... I think we underestimate how important it is to feel connected to other people
Thanks, Beth! Your last word was "listen." Yes, let us listen to the trees, the grass, the wind to hear and feel what they have to say to us.
Thank you Michael!
Beth’s story allowed me feel between the lines. As caregivers we carry on and put off giving of ourselves to ourselves. As Beth reminds us Nature cares for us and we need to stop and embrace her support.
Thank you Carol! I know you know about the comfort of the forest.
0:53 Amazing person teaching from her passion for everything in nature. Her love for it is the same love she shares . Strong, resilient, protective just like the tree. Thanks for sharing Sissy.
Thanks so much for this vote of confidence in me and the mission of engaging people with these beautiful elders!
Wow, her story about Colin the lab got me so emotional. Reminds me of my own pup who always knows when I need comfort.
her talk is like a warm hug for the soul. Feeling inspired to start a little garden on my balcony now!
Makes me feel bad for all the people in the city who were never around trees, even growing up
Thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection. Such resilience and wisdom in the wild.
I know you really get this Beth!
Such wisdom in what you have shared… and comfort in the reminder of what trees so generously offer. Thank you for the important work you are doing!!
Thank you Melanie. I know you get this!
Yesssss trees can offer us so much more than shade!! I hate that people don't realize this.
Immerse yourself in this talk, where the ancient whispers of trees become a chorus of wisdom for our troubled times. Her words are like roots, grounding us in the earth's timeless knowledge, while her insights reach skyward like branches, offering hope and resilience. Beth doesn't just speak about trees; she becomes their voice, translating centuries of silent strength into a language our hearts can understand. This talk is a gentle invitation to step away from the cacophony of modern life and lean into the quiet wisdom of our leafy elders. Let Beth's simple yet profound practice be the key that unlocks a world of natural guidance and comfort. As you listen, feel the sap of hope rising within you, nourishing a renewed connection to the world around us. This isn't just a talk - it's a seed of transformation, ready to grow into a mighty oak of understanding in the forest of your mind.
Wow. Thank you for this lovely response. I think you have spent some time amongst the trees.
Well done! Fun. And taught me things that I needed to learn.
Thanks, Dale. It was a pleasure to do!
This makes me think of a very specific tree lol it was on the platform of where I caught the train to work when I was at a job that was seriously stressful. Like my stomach was a pit every morning but I started just putting my hand on one of its branches while I'd wait for the train and it was really calming. I'd think if this poor train can thrive on this platform with all these names carved into surely I can too.
I like the idea of just feeling out for a tree teacher... I think it would be such a nice moment once you've find them but I dont live near any spots that have a lot of trees so not sure how I'd go about finding one!
I lost my mom last year and found solace in my backyard oak tree. never knew why until now
I wish I lived near a tree you could fully get inside of!
My grandpa always said trees had souls. Thought he was nuts, but maybe the old man was onto something!
None of this is hard to believe, we're so intrinsically bound up with nature and on a biological level we're actually really similar to trees.
Okay I've never heard of a spiritual ecologist before but it sounds like such a cool job!! How do I do that??
I understand what she’s saying about numbing grief, but I think there’s a point where pushing it away becomes unhealthy. We should allow ourselves to feel, not just keep going for the sake of others.
This whole idea of learning from trees is interesting, but I don’t know if I’d go so far as to look to trees for personal guidance? Maybe I'm missing something or maybe the trees where I live just aren't that interesting 😂
I always felt bad for a tree when I'd see someone had carved their name in it or whatever. Doesn't feel respectful