Sequoia

 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞

This August I will be travelling to my native homeland, the Netherlands, to participate in a unique and exciting event. This year the City of Amsterdam is celebrating 750 years of growing strong and proud as a community and a city in the province called North Holland.

I am supporting a group of peace loving and nature loving volunteers who are preparing something very special for the celebration: the planting of a tree. This will not be just any tree, but a very special tree. A sequoia. It will be planted in a sacred part of a city park where people from all walks of life and traditions can come and go freely, sit quietly, contemplate, meditate, reflect, and feel the power of the serene surroundings of what will be called The Peace Tree.

At a time when the world seems divided and conflicts are flaring everywhere, creating so much chaos, confusion and division, this project is very timely. This tree will become a living monument of hope, harmony and recovery. It will be an outdoor welcoming place, a gathering place, for everyone, surrounded by the beauty and comfort of Nature. It will be one of many being planted around the world, and I am looking forward to being in Amsterdam to witness the compassion and determination of the organizers, participants, residents and guests.

The symbolism and powerful message of the mighty Sequoia dates back centuries with indigenous roots and beliefs. It is known as a powerful symbol of peace and connection; it stands tall, strong and honourable on its own and in the company of others. It is resilient and able to withstand harsh conditions. As a metaphor, it stands for human endurance, growth and survival. “If it can do it, we can do it too.”  The Sequoia is known as the Peace Tree of the forest.

As is true with every noble volunteer initiative, financial support is needed. The costs include the purchase, transportation and planting of a four metre tall healthy tree by professionals and specialists who will ensure the space is right, the soil is right and the job is done right. The tree will be the centerpiece of a specially designed resting place and include a commemorative plaque, storyboards, artwork and places to sit and stand. Of course all of this will cost money.

I want to help this peace and sustainability project become a success. I know others will agree that every effort, big or small, to contribute to helping our ailing Earth,  ailing world and ailing people heal, individually and collectively, can only be a good thing. 

Volunteer efforts like this are happening around the world; but, because I was invited to this one, I am doing my bit to support this project in Amsterdam. 

If you would like to contribute or want more information, please DM me.  When I return, I will send you a photo of what you helped to make a reality in Amsterdam. Who knows, maybe one day you can drop by and visit it too. It will be a beautiful spot, in a beautiful city and park, for everyone to visit, appreciate and experience for decades to come! I’m looking forward to the experience. 🌲