Activist Tree Reflection

Length: 45 minutes

Resources: Speaker (for playing music), paper, pens 

This activity was written for a workshop offered the 2024 meeting of European Branches of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (EuFoR).  It was first delivered as a reflection on our journey as peace activists, but it can easily be adapted to other areas of activism, and is written here in a more general activist sense.

For the reflective music, we recommend Canticle of Creation by Simon de Voil which can be bought here or found on Spotify here. Between each activity, play one or two of the songs (depending on their length).

Introduction

As activists, reflection on what drives us, what we have achieved, where we want to go next all help to reduce a sense of burn out. This reflective practice uses the image of a tree. Trees are far older than we humans, and there is still so much about them that we don't know. Recent scientific work has revealed to us how trees communicate and share resources through a network of fungi connecting their roots, so whilst this is a reflection on our individual journeys, it is important to remember that our tree sits within a wider forest that is connected in more ways than we can imagine.

First, we will introduce a part of the tree, and give reflective questions. There will then be about 5 minutes of reflection time during which music will be played. Using your pen and paper, we invite you to draw that part of a tree and write your answers and thoughts around your drawing. We will begin by drawing the roots, so it might be best to begin drawing at the bottom of your paper. You may wish to move somewhere else in the room to do the activity, as long as you are within listening distance.

If using our suggested music: Canticle of Creation by Simon de Voil.

The music is from the album Canticle of Creation by Simon de Voil  , who is a Scottish sacred musician, interspiritual minister and singer songwriter now living in rural Vermont. 

Roots

The roots provide the tree with a strong foundation that allows it to grow tall and withstand the world above - storms, collisions with animals. They also store nutrients, and absorb nutrients from the soil. Roots are also connected to the fungi network, which is used by many trees to communicate and share resources.

Questions

So as we think about the roots of a tree, and as we draw them on our paper, we reflect on the following questions: 

• Where have you come from?

• Where did your journey as an activist begin?

• What grounds your activism?

• What has nourished you in the past?

Trunk

The trunk connects the roots and the upper part of the tree. It transports nutrients upwards so the tree can grow, but it also transports them downwards to be stored in the roots. The trunk also provides support for the branches of the tree. As the trunk grows, year on year, the tree is able to reach new heights. 

Questions

• What are your core values?

• What calls you to action?

• What helps stabilise you, and keeps you steady and upright?

Branches

The branches form the crown of the tree - the upper part. They reach out from the trunk into the world around. 

Questions

• Who do you reach out to in your activism?

• Who would you like to reach?

Leaves

Next we have the leaves. The leaves grow from the branches and are there to absorb light and energy. 

Questions

• As you reach out in your activism, what gives you energy and light?

• What, or who, energises you?

Fruit

Fruit grows from the branches, within the fruit are the seeds of the next generation. They are visible signs of a healthy tree, and are often used to attract attention from pollinators or other beings of the forest. 

Questions

• What would you like the fruits of your activism to be?

• What have the fruits previously been?

• Where would you like your seeds to fall?

Sharing our Reflections

Now we have reflected on our own journey as activists, you are invited to gather in small groups to share one or two things that have stood out to you as you have reflected. 

Conclusion

After 10 minutes or so, or whenever conversation dies down. 

Thank you everyone for engaging in the activity. Hopefully you now feel a greater sense of awareness about your own activism, and perhaps about others too.