Tree Talk

My paternal great-grandfather was a witch doctor. Eduardo Lopez anglicized his name to Eddie Loper when he came to the states from somewhere in the West Indies. He is the excuse I use when folks give me that “there goes the crunchy granola/tree hugger” look. This stuff runs in my blood, so I can’t help myself. The earth and her creatures speak to me: rocks, trees, plants, animals. No, I’m not Dr. Doolittle. And no, I don’t need medication. As a mental health therapist I spent years making a living sending folks to psychiatric hospitals—I know the difference.

One day a few years ago, while participating in a shamanic circle, we meditated with the trees. The purpose was to obtain wisdom from the tree that called out to us. Well there I sat, under a young tree of some sort—I didn’t say I was a botanist. As directed for this phase of the meditation, I asked the tree, “What must I give away to clarify my mind?” I listened for a few minutes, and I heard in my mind, “the white foods.” So basically, my tree friend was validating an anti inflammatory diet, which had been prescribed for me by a naturopathic physician. It also confirmed a psychic reading that indicated white foods were blocking my developing my full intuitive potential.

What are “white foods?” More refined, processed foods such as white sugar and all-purpose flour, including most snack foods and baked goods, processed grains, most bread, sweetened dairy products, or starchy foods such as potatoes, rice, and pasta. These foods are high in the glycemic index, meaning they are digested and absorbed quickly, releasing glucose quickly into the bloodstream. This causes rising and falling of insulin levels, which can lead to overeating, weight gain and insulin resistance. I should know—I come from a family of folks experiencing obesity and diabetes.

Three messages, one fairly traditional, and two quite a bit more off-center, but to me, just as valid for optimal development of my mind/body/spirit. Do I follow the advice? Mostly. But I do indulge at times—Jasmine rice making a seductive bed underneath my vegetable curry, barbecued potato chips strong-arming their way into my shopping car, and hot garlic pretzels slinging their scent downwind a mile away from the Amish Market all speak to some of the temptations that are out there.

What would the tree have me eat instead? Well, there are the whole grains, such as dense whole grain bread, brown rice, millet, barley and quinoa. Also good are sweet potatoes, vegetables and fruits, beans and legumes and nuts. These are minimally processed foods that are digested more slowly than refined carbs, and contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They do not typically cause rapid blood sugar spikes and should be the focus of our carbohydrate intake. Yes, I still eat a bagel or brownie once in a blue moon, and pasta. But when I cook pasta, I use the brown rice or whole-wheat versions, and many restaurants now offer whole wheat options.

I’ve done very well by following the tree’s advice over the years. Weight release, great blood levels, and enhanced intuitive abilities can attest to this. Perhaps I need to spend more time communing with the trees. Well, now that I think of it, as cold as the weather has been lately, perhaps I’ll have a nice cup of tea as I chat with a house plant.