Yes, I believe that all living things have a soul. The defining characteristic for this is that most creatures have a desire to survive and reproduce, or at least the ability to do such. It is also my assumption that there doesn’t need to be a mother-child bond within every living species either. Most mammals would share this trait, but it may only play a small role in the kigdom of life. I also believe that plants and trees have deep spirits, but they don’t provide for, or take care of their offspring.
Here’s a prime example of what I’m trying to say: what gives a Bristlecone Pine Tree the desire to live, grow, and stay in one place for thousands of years, and remain content? why would a Bristlecone Pine want to live for thousands of years, grow at 10,000-12,000 feet above sea level; while enduring the most inhospitable climate conditions? They grow in the windiest, most uninhabitable areas. They even grow in places that lack moisture! It is one of the oldest living tree species in the world. There is an incredible beauty about the Bristlecone; a beauty that I cannot translate. It is very wise, and unknowable to us humans.
i treat the ground that i walk with a lot of respect, and in return..im granted with the privilege of just running on it. it’s the interaction that makes it real. definitely not personified.
oh, i was on hike a couple years ago and i broke a bristlecone pine tree’s branch. man, the admiration had succeeded the don’t touch policy enacted by the ranger. i just liked it. anyway, i still feel bad for causing it some harm. 🙁
Hey There Mick, I don’t think there is a problem with that! Especially if it was unintentional!! I think if these trees can survive a thousand years of lightning, or other turmoil, they can handle a lot! 🙂
Hey Nate,
don’t your remember that black walnut tree in our back yard? It was dying after being felled by lightning. Then that little tree grew looking just like the big one. Then the little tree died. Then branches started sprouting from the stump of the original tree. Now it looks like a young tree again growing from an old stump. Who’s to say that plants don’t look out for their own….
Mom
Nate, thanks. i have something for you on my blog. come see. z