"I don't particularly care if my kids get religious doctrine or not - but I do want to teach them all there is to appreciate in a tree. Part of what I see in a tree is what I call its "divine essence." And yes, in my contemplation I see union with that essence. Others may call it something else, but I hope we all can comprehend how perfectly beautiful that tree is."

A round of applause from Smokey, using both hands.

I'd probably call it 'nature', but it's the same thing and undoubtedly one of the greatest joys of living. 'Divine essence' is a perfectly adequate description, I just don't take it literally.

Excellent posts lately from both Joe and Willie.