WIND IN THE TREES
https://youtu.be/Hnq-rFbo-qs?si=DOtotW77_T33grc1Psithurism is the word that describes the sound of the wind
gently moving through trees, derived from a Greek word meaning “to whisper”. It’s a sound our nervous system recognizes as safe
and relaxing.
My young wife and I spent
our honeymoon in and around the colorful summer Colorado Rocky Mountains and
rushing river valleys. I still have a sharp memory of standing together early
one morning at the rim of a deep gorge in the Mesa Verde high country. An eagle
soared on the winds’ warm updraft and his call echoed off the cliffs. The
ancients that had built the stone cliff dwellings in this gorge had
mysteriously abandoned their village long ago. As we stood there in the shade
of weathered pines and quietly listened to the wind singing in the needles and
the great chasm below, we began to experience God’s presence around us. There
was a keen sense of awe and inspiration that we were standing on holy ground in
the midst of God’s magnificent creation.
Native Americans of the Kansa tribe that lived in the
central prairies were known as the “people of the south wind”. Growing up on
the plains of central Kansas made it easy to understand why. It seems as if
there is always a wind of some sort blowing across this land and the summer
winds are most noticeably from the south. Without even being consciously aware
of it, I came to know that this invisible energy force had become an integral
part of my existence. Because God is a
conscious spiritual being, His presence is more to be felt than seen.
The native Indians prayed to the Great Spirit of the South to melt the ice that
gathers around our hearts with the warm breath of compassion. They were wise to
associate these summer winds with the growing season—winds that could shake the
tall corn stalks up towards the heavens. I’ve been fascinated by these natives
all my life because I believe they lived a harsh but harmonious life out in
God’s creation every day of their lives. They were convinced of the existence
of a Great Spirit and the sacredness of the earth. Much wisdom is lost when we
distance ourselves from direct contact with the land and sky.
The warm southerly winds are a welcome relief to naturally cool sweaty brows
and backs. Red tail hawks glide easily on this uplifting wind beneath their
wings. I learned that lesson early on while bailing hay under the Kansas sun.
That was quite possibly the most exhilarating, fulfilling, healthy, dusty, and
honest sweaty work I ever accomplished in my entire life. When we’re out in
God’s creation and enjoying the experience of the life He has given to us, we
can begin to feel His presence. I believe God is in these winds more so than
anything else in His created universe. And these caressing breezes provide
closeness for some of the most sublime moments in our life as a child of God.
Native American Spirit of the South Wind
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