QUICK EPISODE OVERVIEW

In honor of the New Year of Trees, April and Tracie take some time to think about what we have to learn from trees. From rootedness to developmental stages in a life cycle to the capacity to be kind, trees model some key lessons for humans.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you celebrate Tu b’Shevat? What is the significance of the holiday for you? Has its significance changed given the pandemic and/or the current situation of the world?

2. April tells us at the beginning of the episode about how she has been thinking about “the intuitive and sacred guidance that trees offer us around how to be in the world.” What immediately comes to your mind when she says this? When, if ever, have you used or heard metaphors of trees to bring guidance and wisdom in your life or the world?

3. April recounts how many folks she works with often have a sense of urgency around racial justice and wants things to be concrete “right now.” Do you have these tendencies of urgency? How do they show up in your life? 

4. Tracie and April talk about the rootedness (hishtarshut) of trees, connection, and belonging. Where in your life are you well rooted? Where might you be able to strengthen your roots in your life and communities?

5. Tracie adds to April’s point by explaining how trees share resources with other trees and are kind to each other through their roots, even asking each other for more nutrients when needed. What does this image bring up for you? Are there examples in your life and in your communities where this happens? What would the world look like if we incorporated this more into our lives?

6. Thinking again about roots and rootedness, how has the Covid-19 pandemic (and where the world is now generally) shaped or changed your roots?

INSIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?

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