Like a Tree: How Trees, Women, and Tree People Can Save the Planet

by Jean Shinoda Bolen

This masterful work by internationally known author and speaker Jean Shinoda Bolen provides an insightful look into the fusion of ecological issues and global gender politics. Of trees and women. This book on the importance of trees grew out of Bolen’s experience mourning the loss of a Monterey pine that was cut down in her neighborhood. That, combined with her practice of walking among tall trees, led to her deep connection with trees and an understanding of their many complexities. From their anatomy and physiology, to trees as archetypal and sacred symbols, Bolen expertly explores the dynamics of ecological activism spiritual activism and sacred feminism. And, she invites us to join the movement to save trees. Stories of those making a difference. While there is still much work to be done to address environmental problems, there are many stories of individuals and organizations rising up to make a change and help save our planet. The words and stories that Bolen weaves throughout this book are both inspirational and down-to-earth, calling us to realize what is happening to not only our trees, but our people. By writing about both the work of organizations like Greenpeace and the UN Commission on the Status of Women, Bolen highlights her passions and shares her unique vision for the world. In Like a Tree learn more

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Environment, Womens, Spirituality, Feminism, Philosophy

234 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2011

About the author

Jean Shinoda Bolen, M. D. is a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco, a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and recipient of the Institute for Health and Healing’s "Pioneers in Art, Science, and the Soul of Healing Award". She is a former board member of the Ms. Foundation for Women.

Reviews

[MaryAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author tries to cover way too much in the little over 200 pages of this book. I thought it was about trees and specifically the wonder and mystery of trees. And how they are necessary for our planet.

But Bolen also covers so much more (too much more): religion, spiritualism, the start of Buddhism, patriarcy, feminism, eco-activism, psychology, therapy, death and dying, male brains vs. Female brains, the importance of clean water in third world countries, supporting women in third world countries, activism, girl scouts, privilege, grace, Greek mythology, Hildegard of Bingen, creation stories, etc.

Plus all the info about trees - from what is the oldest, the largest, what are the sacred trees around the world, how to get in touch with the energy of a tree, how children have natural connections with trees, the Muir woods etc.

And she also has little asides where she describes talking to a person after they read the intro to this book and they recommend some organization (feminist or ecological or spiritual) that she should include. So she does.

A bit overwhelming. Too much information. Also a bit dated in this fast paced ever changing world (references a lot of things happening in the early 2000s).

Her overall message is wonderful though: "the hope that there is enough time for trees and tree people to save our beautiful planet from turning into a wasteland, and heal the wounds of patriarchy with its focus on dominance over everything. "

[Adri DelaTierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing!!!
we should all read this and get back in touch with our true nature

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me too long to finish this book but that's mostly my own fault! It's a bit of a slow starter but by mid-way through I was fully on board, identifying as a tree hugger/tree person. The wisdom of Jean & her life-long passion for trees & women are beautifully interwoven in the stories she shares from her own life & others. I especially enjoyed the last quarter of the book where I saw many of her ideas come together & confir the important links between uplifting women & saving trees for all of life on this planet.

[Savannah Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my introduction to mysticism among many other topics and ways of being. I found my mind stirring with ideas and complex thoughts as I read each page. In a time in my life where the future is uncertain, and moments of synchronicity are more abundant than usual, I found this book comforting. I applied for a artist residency in the Muir Woods around the same time I finally finished this book (took me about 1.5 years). I yearn to be in that forest. It’s almost like it’s calling to me.

[Korie Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt rushed, wish she would’ve gone into more detail of fewer topics than glaze over a wide array of many. Don’t love her writing style. Great messages and themes

[Patricia Gámez Upaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusto mucho y me anima a leer sus otros libros, su reflexión sobre los árboles y la mujer es sumamente detallada y me llevó a reflexionar sobre mi vida y cómo puedo aportar a otras vidas.

[Denise Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go hug a tree, tree people!

[Isabel Rushall · Rating 1 out of 5]

too many serious subjects were glazed over, made for a very unpleasant reading experience.

[Artemisia Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outraged when her homeowner’s association voted to remove a beautiful old Monterey Pine by her home in the Bay area, author Jean Shinoda Bolen told her close friend, Gloria Steinem how upset and helpless she felt that someone claiming the tree interfered with their view was reason enough to have it removed. Then Steinem reminded her that as a writer, she could have the last word. So, even though Bolen couldn’t prevent the board from going forward with their plan, she threw herself into writing this book about the importance of trees to our planet’s ecosystem, how deforestation is literally killing the earth and all that trees give us spiritually as well. She begins by describing those she calls “tree people”, whose deep love of trees and nature as a whole lead them to realize instinctively the value trees have environmentally as well as understand the important life lessons they teach us. This book is a call to wisdom, a cry for action and a work of the heart for what she loves. At a time when we are learning so much about the characteristics and importance of old growth forests, Like a Tree also reminds us of our ancient soul connection to these magnificent green creatures.

[Cecelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry reading, but more fuel in my current fiery interest in the life of trees, my eco-concern with the destruction of forests and the biomes that live or die with them. I chaffed against Jean Bolen's assertions that men are inherently more violent, destructive and black/white thinkers. This premise is inherently divisive and unnecessary in a book about the oneness of nature. It was a turn-off. Nevertheless I found many sources for future reading in her references. Overall I'm left with an admiration for the author's work with the United Nations and NGOs to assist women's lives, and the lives of trees and nature throughout the world. These issues go hand in hand.

[Dvarenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound book about the wonder of trees. I found it spiritual and poetic. This author sure loves trees! She looks at the role of trees in history, religion, and mythology. You won't look at or think of trees the same way after reading this book.

[Quasar · Rating 4 out of 5]

So inspirational--a real wealth of knowledge and information for the women of the world who believe in redemption for the planet. Anyone who is a "tree person" will truly get this book.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly profound and inspiring, like all of Dr. Bolen's writing, and deeply resonant for me personally on many levels. Beautiful, beautiful book.

[Maria De La Peña · Rating 5 out of 5]

ame , un libro que habla desde el corazón , y obviamente de arquetipos , lo recomiendo

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving and beautiful book. Dr. Bolen speaks to me in a way that is personal.