To add an element of the arcane? the absurd? the dire?: Perhaps it is Earth itself expressing its pain/warning/reassurance? I proffer: Once when I was in deep meditation in the woods my "spirit" went lower and lower until, I swear, I became aware that Tree was speaking to me. It was low and slow and deeper than any sound I had ever heard.

I brought myself 'up' right quick (as they say in the south) with the feeling that my feet might root to the ground.

But I've never forgotten that it is possible to communicate with Tree. Perhaps also with Earth?

OK. Now back to Reality...