Month: October 2023

I love trees. I have written about them and how they inspire me. I recently read a fascinating book entitled, The Island of Missing Trees. I related to the story because it was about the Greek Turkish Cypriot war of 1974. I was on an exchange program in Turkey during that time and learned about the war from a Turkish perspective.

Aside from the story line about the war and the romance between a Greek man and Turkish woman, the story is partially told by a fig tree who possesses great insight about the world. The tree indicates that she does not experience loneliness. Trees are aware of and experience a sense of connection with other beings in their ecosystem, even those not of the same species. The book’s theme connotes the myriad dimensions of the interconnectedness of life.

The fig tree addresses how a person’s character can be discerned by what he/she/they first notice about a tree-the trunk, the branches, or the roots. The fig tree stated, “Some people stand in front of a tree and the first thing they notice is the trunk. These are the ones who prioritize order, safety, rules, continuity. Then there are those who pick out the branches before anything else. They yearn for change, a sense of freedom. And then there are those who are drawn to the roots, though concealed under the ground. They have deep emotional attachment to their heritage, identity, traditions.” For me, the first thing I notice is the trunk.

All trees are essential and merit attention and commendation. The fig tree noted that a tree exists for every mood and every moment. For example, “When you have something precious to give to the universe, a song or a poem, you should first share it with a golden oak before anyone else… If you want to merge stronger and kinder from your trials, find an aspen to learn from…. If you are hurting and have no one willing to listen to you, it might do you good to spend time beside a sugar maple… If you have too many regrets, a weeping willow will offer solace…”

Recently I was on a walk with an Indigenous park ranger who paused briefly to listen to the wind in the trees. He said he could hear the voices of his ancestors in those trees. This observation reminded me that life is not about independence or dependence. Trees illustrate the value of interdependence for life to flourish. Trees are not just trees. They have lessons to teach me.

Creedence Clearwater Revival had a propensity to sing about rain. “Who’ll Stop the Rain” as well as “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” Those 1970’s songs frequently float into my head when it rains here in Colorado. The songs praise the rain while also focusing on the importance of the sun coming out again.

Many people take rain for granted unless it ruins their plans. As Roger Miller reflected, “Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.” Rain is different when you live in an ecosystem where it is at a premium such as in Colorado. For example, the average annual precipitation for the places I have lived vary greatly: Cedar Rapids, IA=37 inches; Madison, WI=34 inches; Durham, NC=48 inches; and Estes Park, CO=14 inches.

By those measurements, rain has had sundry (no pun intended) meanings to me over the years. Growing up on a farm meant that when and how much rain made the difference between successful crops or not. My dad taught me to always keep my eye on the sky and appreciate the weather regardless of what it might be.  

In North Carolina it rained plenty every month of the year. I enjoyed those rainy days. They felt calming. I loved the opportunity to be at home on my computer writing and not wishing that I was doing something outdoors. After several days of rainy weather, however, I yearned to see the sun again.

In Colorado, precipitation is a treat in this high desert where I live. It keeps the landscape green and brings the wildflowers. It is essential to reducing wildfire risks. Rain is often short-lived and shared with mostly sunny days.

Many perspectives define the value of rain. Langston Hughes poetically described rain, “Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.”

I used to enjoy running in the rain and now the opportunity to walk or hike in the rain offers an evocative perspective on the world. I have joked that anyone can hike in the sunshine– special people appreciate the rain. I am one of those people who lets the rain kiss me.

We are fortunate when we have mentors in our lives. I had one in H. Douglas (Doug) Sessoms who will be inducted into the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Hall of Fame this week. I first met Dr. Sessoms in 1980. He passed away in 2008.

Doug was a special person and huge contributor to my profession. The posthumous bestowing of this Hall of Fame honor is reserved for individuals who had vision and dedication to improve the quality of life in America through parks and recreation. Dr. Sessoms was a giant in our field. (In the photo, Doug is the one with hat.)

For over five decades, Doug helped build institutions that define the recreation and parks profession today. His early involvement helped establish the Society of Park and Recreation Educators as a branch of NRPA to build strong connections between universities and practice. Sessoms also helped develop formal accreditation of professional preparation in park and recreation degree programs. He brought awareness to the needs and rights for recreation and leisure for under resourced populations including people with disabilities and low incomes. His impact exists today through his early commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and his work with students, colleagues, practitioners, and public officials.

I am a beneficiary of Dr. Sessoms’ wisdom and action. While his accomplishments are important, my appreciation for Doug lies in his personal significance in my life. My commitment to recreation, particularly for the public sector, is tied directly to his demonstration of the value of parks and recreation to people in communities. Doug was my department chair when I was at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. I am not always sure he understood the nature of my feminist research, but he encouraged me every day and never stood in my way while offering quiet encouragement. Doug believed in me even sometimes when I wasn’t so confident in myself.

Because of Doug, I share a deep passion for my profession and for the importance of professionalism both philosophically and organizationally. He taught me to conduct myself with the highest of ethical standards. I have continued Doug’s work by being a leader and advocate for the quality of life that recreation offers.

I am honored to be a part of the induction of Dr. Sessoms into the Hall of Fame. My life changed because of his inspiration, and I am overjoyed to celebrate his life through this “Best of the Best” award.

Make America Kind (Again) is an important idea for me. Kindness means being nice instead of mean. It also includes being kind/nice in the face of meanness. Kindness involves being considerate, gracious, and forgiving.

My good friend Deb has a simple tattoo on her right wrist. It says, “Be Kind.” She has it facing outward to remind people to be kind as she shakes hands or reaches out in any way. At the retirement party for Deb two years ago, we all got temporary tattoos with that message. A couple of her proteges got real tattoos to honor Deb’s passion about kindness.

I have written before about the coffee shop in town called Kind Coffee. The organization suggests that being kind involves THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LIFE IN THE PRESENT TO PRESERVE FOR LIFE IN THE FUTURE. Therefore, the coffee sold provides environmental sustainability by being chemical free, fairly traded, shade grown, certified organic, and good for you and the environment. The business notes that “Kind is what coffee should be.”

The Dalai Lama stated, “My religion is kindness.” All religions indicate the importance of practicing loving kindness. In the Christian tradition, Mathew 7:12 indicates Jesus said, “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” The Islamic Prophet Muhammad emphasized, “Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.”  Kindness is at the core of all spiritual and humanistic paths.

I believe, as these spiritual leaders advocate, if we dedicate our lives to kindness and to the qualities of care, we create peace on earth. This approach would lead to social justice and the healing of our environment.

Every year on November 13 is International Kindness Day. I thought about writing this blog closer to that date but decided to do it now. Every day should be Kindness Day. Kindness is a conscious choice and not just a random act. A belief in the goodness of people is expressed through kindness.