Walking with Trees by Glennie Kindred
As an artist deeply invested in the intersections of ecology, womanhood, ritual, and nature, Walking with Trees by Glennie Kindred speaks to the heart of my practice. Kindred’s work resonates deeply with my belief in the sacred bond between humans and the natural world. Her book is not just a guide to understanding trees but a deeply immersive journey into the wisdom they offer—inviting us to walk with them, to listen, to honour their presence, and to align our lives with the rhythms of the earth.
The book itself is both an introduction to the fascinating world of trees and a spiritual invitation to reawaken our connection to the plant world. For those of us who practice ecological art, which often involves rituals of grounding and reconnection to the natural world, Walking with Trees is an invaluable resource. It draws on ancient wisdom, folklore, and the rich mythology of trees, offering a profound sense of interconnectedness. Kindred writes, "The trees have always been our companions, guiding us, teaching us, and offering their gifts in so many ways."
From an artistic standpoint, what strikes me most about Walking with Trees is the way it encourages deep listening. Through her writing, Kindred emphasizes the importance of slowing down, of stepping into ritual space, and of observing the minute, often unnoticed, details that make trees so much more than mere plants. This mirrors the way I approach my own work, which involves rituals of observation, reflection, and the creation of works that draw upon the natural world as a canvas.
Kindred’s exploration of womanhood through the lens of trees is poignant. She draws parallels between the cycles of women’s lives and the cycles of trees—growth, shedding, death, and rebirth. For example, she writes: “The tree has much to teach us about cyclical existence, about holding space for death as much as for life. In a way, the tree embodies the feminine wisdom of life’s great circle.” This sentiment resonates with my practice of weaving ritual into my work, celebrating both the sacred and the mundane aspects of womanhood. The way Kindred discusses the deep knowledge of trees as a form of ancient feminine wisdom is an invitation to reclaim and reconnect with our own ancestral roots, both as women and as artists.
Ritual plays a significant role in the book, particularly in how we can cultivate a deeper relationship with the trees. Kindred offers several practical rituals, from tree meditations to planting and nourishing trees, that invite the reader to become an active participant in nature's rhythms. These practices, while simple, reminding us that each small gesture is a form of honouring the natural world. She writes, “Rituals are the keys that unlock the magic and the wisdom of the world around us. When we create sacred space, we are aligning ourselves with the natural flow of life.” In my own work, I often incorporate rituals of mindfulness and connection to create sacred spaces where nature and art merge, and Kindred’s words reinforce the power of these practices.
One of the highlights of the book is the author's invitation to view trees as wise elders. Kindred encourages us to approach them with reverence, asking ourselves questions such as, “What is the message of this tree? What wisdom does it hold for me?” This mirrors the way I engage with my art—looking to nature, listening deeply, and responding intuitively. There’s a tenderness in Kindred’s writing that reflects this deep reciprocity, where the trees are not objects to be studied, but partners in an ongoing dialogue. As she beautifully puts it, “Every tree has a voice. Every tree is a teacher. We only need to learn how to listen.”
Walking with Trees is more than just a book about trees; it is a call to a deeper, relationship with the natural world. It is a celebration of the sacred, the cyclical, and the wise. As an ecological artist, I find that Kindred’s perspective offers not only a deeper understanding of the role trees play in our lives but also a reminder of the profound healing power of reconnecting with nature. This book will resonate with anyone who is seeking to restore balance to their life by walking in harmony with the rhythms of the earth, the cycles of womanhood, and the sacred art of living in tune with the natural world.
“The trees are our ancient companions, a bridge between the physical and the spiritual realms. They invite us to remember who we are and where we come from.”
