Last week, I was unable to write a new blog due to my busy schedule at work and being unwell. This meant that I had to cancel my planned photographic travels. I am still not feeling my best today, but I would like to share some images I took a few weeks ago. Weather conditions have been less than favourable in the last few weeks of the year, but sometimes unexpected surprises can occur.

This is my story about an oak tree.

Since the beginning of my practice, I have regularly visited Scherpenheuvel in Belgium, a place famous for its chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There is an inherent authenticity to this sacred site, and it never fails to rejuvenate my soul when I reach the point of spiritual exhaustion. While it is hard to explain, the positive effect it has on me is undeniable.
Just a kilometre from this bustling spot, I noticed a sign pointing towards a magnificent 100-year-old oak tree. It was a destination I had been eager

Today, almost two years have passed since this was one of my first motorbike rides. This photograph captures my first glimpse of the majestic tree.

The oak tree has been revered across Europe’s major cultures. It was considered the most venerated tree by the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Slavs, and Teutonic tribes and was associated with the supreme deities of their pantheons. Oak was sacred to Zeus, Jupiter, Dagda, Perun, and Thor, who governed rain, thunder, and lightning. It is not coincidental that oak trees are more susceptible to lightning strikes than many other trees. This is because of the high water content of the tree and their consistent status as the tallest living entities in the landscape.

The initial evidence of sacred trees is inferred from the etymology of two words frequently found in the Bible, alon (oak) and ela (terebinth – a type of pistachio tree), which seem to originate from “el” – the Hebrew term for “god.”

The Druids performed their religious ceremonies and held beliefs in oak groves. The word ‘Druid’ may have its roots in the Celtic term for ‘knower of the oak tree’. The Gaelic name for oak, ‘darach’, is still evident in place names like ‘Glac Daraich’ (oak hollow/small valley) in Glen Affric.

Mistletoe, which was believed to be the Druids’ most potent and magical plant, often grew on oak trees. Its presence was thought to be an indication of divine intervention following a lightning strike.

Oak is utilised by indigenous American societies to heal bleeding, tumors, swelling, and dysentery, as well as by European herbalists as a diuretic and antidote to poison. The leaves have wound-healing properties. Oak can be utilised as an alternative for Quinine in the management of fevers.

For me, it feels like the Tree of Life. When i sit next to the tree i feel my feed entering the ground. Grounded as you can call it. Because I get this grounded feeling, my head stops thinking and it gives me silence. As the intense pressure within the body subsides, time seems to stand still.

These moments bring me new ideas and perspectives. If i have questions it brings me the answers I search for. It is all true what they say about the oak and the acorn.

The oak tree reminisces its past as a sapling with fondness, revels in its present grandeur, and exultantly produces new acorns. As a monk meditates in silence, the oak tree gracefully sheds its leaves. Indeed, an oak tree is a small seed that has overcome the challenges of doubt and fear.

A demonstration of the power of nature, the oak tree together with the sun.

The oak tree serves as a tool for meditation and helps me to regain my strength during life’s turbulent storms. It is a testament to the resilience and perseverance required for survival.

For me, it is the tree that has seen me through some of my greatest tears and pain. When I am at the oak and I see it broken by lightning but still showing its colours and glow, it shows me that no matter how much pain there is, there is always something to look forward to. Even if we don’t succeed today, the chances are that if we persevere, success will come on another lucky day.

“The strongest oak tree of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open, where it is forced to fight for its existence against the wind and the rain and the burning sun.

As the adage goes, “Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut, that held its ground.” It is important to remember that challenges are inevitable, and only through them can we become stronger and more resilient. Just as oaks grow strong in contrary winds, diamonds are formed under pressure.

Thank you mother nature for the delightful oak tree.