MARY MELILLI
To reach the Camperdown Elm tree, we walked and paused at the sites of the previous tree ceremonies. Each tree was located at a different point along a logarithmic spiral on the Kripalu grounds, similar to the spirals visible on nautilus shells, goat horns, and spider webs. We gave thanks or made offerings, prayed, sang songs (often newly written on the spot), chanted, held yoga poses, and smelled incense (Myrrh was my personal favorite). I made an effort to reconnect with the trees and remember messages, stories, thoughts, and feelings. By communing momentarily with Elm, Apple, and Hemlock along the golden ratio, we prepared to move into the next guided meditation. Often we walked from tree to tree in silence, some barefoot.
Camperdown Elm's magical properties were manifested in white light, big sky, and infinite space. Camperdown Elm's message to me was: Look up to the sky when needed. See the sun, the glow, the clouds, the blue. Be in it. My heart affirmation was about being uplifted into infinite lightness and glowing lights. The journey involved climbing a crystal staircase which appeared as a DNA chain ladder in my mind's eye. I was led to an openness in the ether. I sensed a shifting in space and my understanding of time. I was engrossed, in awe, and freely moving up and within and around in what seemed to be an openness overhead. After the ceremony, Jeff said that at one point, he felt called upon to protect our space during the meditation. He opened his eyes and saw another group of people apporaching. He was prepared to physically stand up and speak to them if necessary. Instead, they moved away. I was not aware of any of that activity and was thankful our energy cluster wasn't interrupted. For me this was a rare opportunity with the combination of minds and place and other factors to permit or support such a vibrant reception.
Even though I had painted asbract art in the past and enjoyed that realm for its thought provoking and transportive properties, for this piece I wanted to somehow represent both the physical qualities of the tree site as well as what I experienced with sensing a heightened energy flow and my thoughts moving beyond earthly realism. This is how the Camperdown Elm painting changed over time (each version was painted over the one canvas):
Version 01: Imagined travel through branches to sky
Version 02: Reciprocal energy processes of trees and environment
Version 03: Trees as powerful beings and one with the universe
Version 04: Camperdown Elm emerging as the central focus
Final painting: The glowing spirit of CamperDown Elm
