Before the great rains ( if you live in Alberta right now you know what I mean) I was out with my husband and the dog walking on some trails at the base of China Man's Peak. We came upon several trees what had the bark rubbed clean and with bits if hair and fur on the bark surrounding the areas rubbed clean. (My first thought was OH NO! BEAR!)
Surprisingly after we returned home I found an article in the local paper that explained this occurrence.
These trees are what the local wildlife have designated as "connecting trees". Many different species of animals visit these trees to get and to leave information. The trees themselves also provide information for the visiting animals about the nutrients available in the plants around the trees and the amount of rainfall etc.
A bear leaving his scent and other information to communicate with the rest of the animal community
When an animal visits the "connecting tree", they learn about which animals have been by, what food is available in the area, the weather, local animal population and much, much more information pertinent to their well-being.
It's easy to look at bears for example as an entity unto themselves - disconnected from other animals. Or wolves and coyotes to be competing for the same resources - and not animals that would communicate with each other. But this is not the case. They communicate inter-species. And even the trees participate!
It seems that it is only humans who think they can live independently of each other!
Regardless of their species, their prey and their territory, animals still share information willingly with each other. They support each other because they know the need each other and that there is enough for everybody. They know they are connected.
When we gather together as women - we do the same thing as the wildlife does - just in our own human way. We do need each other - and that is why it is important to meet together regularly to share information, ideas, support, resources and just to simply connect.
So next time you feel too tired or rushed to get to a Roaring Women Meeting - think about the 'connecting tree' and how much the survival of wildlife depends upon it. The same holds true with meeting together as women. We flourish when we connect!
And if that does not convince you to get to a meeting - studies have shown that 'word of mouth' is the best advertising there is. We all need support, ideas and new information! Join us at one of our meetings. Let Roaring Women be your connecting tree.
