A better man

I’ll try to share something of my personal, life, nature healing journey…

I was raised on our family farm, so my love and need for nature has grown from my natural, intriguing and challenging, childhood farm adventures.

Outdoors, in nature, was my freestyle playground, to test and find my self-confidence, my need for a connection, imagination and reassurance with nature.

However, in 1968, as I was officially and impersonally discharged from the Army, after 173 days of active National Service in Vietnam, I felt so confused and conflicted with intense trauma, like an outsider, a broken, lost soul, without understanding, needing help, trauma reassurance and healing.

Fortunately, I came home to the reassurance of our family farm at Mardan, at a time when my mother Mary saw the desperate need to plant farm trees and she needed encouragement and my muscle.

So, as a young 22-year-old war veteran, I was back in home country, beginning my much needed tree planting therapy. 

My need for nature connections was rekindled and nurtured - I was so scared but learning to trust and love and live my young life again.

Our native forests have always been unique and precious spaces to free our human spirits from the day-to-day issues of personal, family and community pressures and anxieties.

Our busy, anxious headspace can be the transformed by watching trees grow, a warbling bird call, water babbling in a creek, waterfalls, a simply whiff or our lungs filled with fresh forest air, scents from many bush plants, beautiful flowers, berries, fungi, sighting wildlife, or importantly finding a refuge of silence, solitude, reflection and healing.

These are the precious jewels and magic of our native forests that often don’t find a place in a busy work and business world.

A special thanks to my inspirational bush friend and mentor Ellen Lyndon OAM - I still feel her generous bush spirit.

As a nurseryman, tree lover and planter, all my adult life, I have experienced how my life and so many other lives can grow better, closely connected to nature.

The healing power of life balance, a clearer mind and positive thinking.

Mirboo North’s native forests are much loved and a crucial, precious part of our community and personal prosperity and wellbeing. 

Our combined, group forest Field Study is so inspirational and educational.

Healthy forests - Healthy us.

Surely, a daily dose of “nature basking” can open more hearts, keep our headspace more positive and keep our blues away.

Nature rescued me and gave me a positive life path.

My experience? - Embrace nature, it will enrich your imagination, spirit and your life journey.

TREESMENDUS

Dick Lester, Mardan