Lessons Under the Oak Tree, Tap into Nature's Subtle Wisdom

For thousands of years before there were books or the Internet, the keys to happiness were written in nature where anyone could find them. "Lessons Under the Oak Tree" is rich in its understanding of the natural world. Author Karen Kluger shares with readers how to tap into nature's wisdom. Her penetrating observations came while walking in solitude amidst Southern California's ancient oaks. In this broad ranging work, diverse topics are deftly tied together, affirming that in the circle of life all things connect. Trees and plants serve as a symbol to explain our very intimate ties to nature. One of many true stories tells about a puny ficus vine. When ficus vines grow along a wall, they curl to the right or left. When Karen's ficus was planted, it got tied to the right, but it was a lefty staked against its nature. After five years of acting like a couch potato, the ficus reached down inside itself and grew a new stem below where it was staked. The ficus grew spectacularly when it was true to itself, and we are much the same. Karen writes, "By defining the differences that separate us from nature, instead of what we have in common, we've created loneliness. We are never alone. We are part of something magnificent and greater than we know." While reading the forty-seven lively chapters, it becomes clear why nature and wisdom always agree. The narratives deal with nature's advice about love, the power of creativity, coping with loss, global warming and healing ourselves and the environment. Karen writes, "When we integrate our similarities to nature into our thinking then harming the earth becomes the same as hurting ourselves." As the last page of this compassionate book is read, you will know why nature's splendor, resilience and wisdom resides within yourself. That knowledge can change the way you view the world.