This week, I’ve been enjoying the vibrant green of new leaves against the sky, gentle purple hues of intricate blooms, and those warm pockets of sunlight that seem to appear just when you need them.
Nature is fully awake now. And something about it is making me pause a little more than usual.
I’m reveling in this late spring, full bloom, liminal ‘pre-summer’ space.
Maybe it’s the season. Maybe it’s because Mother’s Day is approaching.
But I found myself reflecting on how often we use the phrases Mother Nature and Mother Earth. I’ve said them my whole life, but it didn’t really connect with me just how deeply fitting they are until this week.
It’s more than poetic, right? Think about it…
Nature nurtures, just like a Mother might.
She offers protection, beauty, nourishment, and shelter.
She holds space for us to grow, fall apart, and begin again (as a young friend reminded me).
Whether or not you’re a mother, or had the kind of relationship you needed with yours, you came from someone.
You’ve been held before. That kind of care and steadiness is still available in nature.
In fact, trees—especially the oldest, largest ones—literally care for the forest around them.
Scientists call them Mother Trees, a term popularized by ecologist Suzanne Simard, who discovered that these elder trees share nutrients, communicate through underground networks, and protect younger saplings through their root systems.
They tend the forest—quietly, constantly. And when they’re gone, the whole ecosystem feels it.
This week’s 🌿Nature Connection Invitation is inspired by that quiet power.
🌳 Invitation: Connect with a ‘Mother Tree’
Find a tree that feels steady or wise to you. If you’re outside, let yourself stand or sit near it. If not, imagine one from memory.
Take a few breaths. Place a hand on your heart or the ground.
Ask yourself:
→ What has nurtured me lately?
→ What am I offering in return?
→ How might I rest, just for a moment, in the care that’s already here?
You don’t have to do anything—just notice.
Just feel.
Let yourself be held.
If you give the invitation a try, I’d love to hear how it lands—feel free to hit reply to this email and share.
It brought to mind a moment I witnessed this week that felt especially meaningful.
At my Twilight Forest Bathing Walk at the Missouri Botanical Garden, a mother joined with her adult son. He had gifted her the session for her birthday, and the two of them came together to share the experience.
Before the walk began, she shared how excited she was to spend that time with him.
Afterwards, she told me again, eyes shining, that it was the best gift she could have received.
Presence. Slowness. Time together with her son.
As the mother of a (much too quickly growing) son myself, it moved me to tears. 🥹
If you’re looking for a way to honor a mother figure in your life, especially someone who gives so much of themselves, maybe as an educator or a helping professional, I have a couple offerings to consider.👇
To all the mothers, nurturers, and rooted ones: I see you.
🫶 And if your mom is no longer here, or your relationship with her is layered, complex, or tender, I hope you feel held this week by the Great Mother—the Earth herself.
She’s always tending to you.
With care and quiet gratitude,
🌱 Jess
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