We Are the Forest

For us, the forest is everything. It is our home, our market, our pharmacy, and our temple. It is where we find the food that sustains our bodies and the medicines that heal our illnesses.

Every tree, every plant, every leaf carries meaning and memory. Mother Nature is not something outside of us — she is us, and we are her. We are part of her body, and she lives within ours. The Earth is not just a physical space where we walk; it is a sacred place where our ancestors rest, where their spirits continue to protect and guide us.

Every tree, every plant, every leaf carries meaning and memory. Mother Nature is not something outside of us — she is us, and we are her. We are part of her body, and she lives within our

When we connect with the forest through medicinal plants, we reconnect with the visible and the invisible worlds. These plants are bridges between the physical and the spiritual — they cleanse our bodies, but they also heal our souls. Each tree carries a spirit, a powerful energy that teaches us how to live in harmony. The bark, the leaves, the roots — all hold wisdom. The forest itself is a living being, full of songs, voices, and lessons.

This is what many people outside our world don’t understand. To them, the forest is just a collection of trees — something to cut down, to make space for monoculture, to turn into profit. But for us, the forest is a teacher, a healer, and a relative. The forest is the bridge between us and the world of the enchanted spirits — the sacred beings who guide our people and bring teachings to those who listen. Through this connection, we receive protection, healing, and understanding.

Mother Nature holds the strength of the Great Spirit and the energy of our ancestors, who rest within this sacred land. She gives us both physical and spiritual healing, reminding us that everything is connected — the visible and the invisible, the human and the divine.

I share this reflection to awaken human consciousness, especially among those who have become disconnected from nature. We need to return to our roots, to our origins, to our ancestry — to remember that our ancestors always lived in harmony with the forest and worked to protect it. We live in a world of visible and invisible connections. It is through our awareness that we can begin to understand the language of the Earth, the language of Mother Nature.

Mother Nature holds the strength of the Great Spirit and the energy of our ancestors, who rest within this sacred land. She gives us both physical and spiritual healing, reminding us that everything is connected — the visible and the invisible, the human and the divine.

When we truly listen, we begin to transform our lives — living with more respect, love, humility, and simplicity. We learn to act with care, to relate better to one another, and to the environment that sustains us all. Mother Nature represents all of this for us — life, balance, and connection.

I hope these words help awaken your thoughts, your feelings, and your vision about the importance of the forest in our lives. The forest is alive. She breathes with us, and through us, she continues to live.

Thank you, my family. Pina Varinawa Chief, Vari Teka Village