The naked tree...

I had never truly looked at the naked tree so deeply until today, and I am left in awe of its complexity. The majestic tree that stands just outside my office window has been there, motionless, for what seems like five or six decades. Though I have gazed at it countless times, I never took the time to appreciate its true essence—until today.

This tree, now bare, has shed all its leaves in the autumn and awaits the arrival of spring when it will bloom once again and reclaim its vibrant foliage. Today, as I gazed at it for a long time, I found myself utterly mesmerized. Its structure, its process, and above all, its mere existence are nothing short of amazing. The more I looked, the more I was struck by the intricacy of its form, the beauty of its resilience, and the profound miracle of its life.

In the past, I never gave this tree much thought. It simply stood there, a fixture outside my window. But today, everything changed. I found myself falling in love with it—the naked tree. I marveled at its towering presence, its enormous trunk curving slightly at the base, splitting into two massive branches that rise more than 25 meters into the sky. From there, smaller branches sprout, creating an intricate web of limbs—each one bare, yet striking in its own right.

I examined every part of it, from the compact view to the grand perspective, and I couldn't help but admire its structure. It was as if I was witnessing a great work of art—a masterpiece of nature, a divine creation, standing tall and unwavering in its silent grace. This tree is a testament to the ingenuity of the earth, providing shelter, support, and balance to the environment.

As I stood there in awe, I reflected on the perfection of nature's design. Everything in this world has its place, its role, and its purpose. Even though this tree is old, naked, and seemingly lifeless during the harsh European winter, it continues to serve. It endures the biting cold, the snow, the rain, and the relentless winds. And in doing so, it supports life—benefiting humanity, nourishing the atmosphere, and contributing to the delicate balance of the natural world.

I realized then that this tree’s struggle is not for nothing. It is a struggle for existence, for survival, and for the greater good. It stands as a silent witness to the harsh elements, yet it persists, unwavering in its commitment to the world. I could no longer view it as merely a “naked” or “ugly” tree. I could not hate it, as I had once been tempted to do. Instead, I saw it for what it truly was: a living entity with a profound purpose.

I delved deeper into its structure, examining its form with renewed respect and admiration. I could see the beauty in its bare branches, each one a testament to the tree’s resilience and strength. It gave so much, asking for nothing in return. I could only salute its silent suffering, knowing that its very existence is a lesson for us all.

Nature, with all its wonders, is our greatest teacher. We often overlook the simple, humble elements of the world around us, but they are filled with immense knowledge and wisdom. If we only took the time to truly see them, understand them, and apply their lessons, we could lead better lives—not just for ourselves, but for our communities, our world, and even the universe itself.

So, once again, I bow in respect to the naked tree outside my office window. It is a quiet, unwavering teacher, offering its lessons with each passing season, and I am grateful for its silent presence.