Right in front of us stands the Albero dell’Abbraccio. This special tree is dedicated to those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. It is a place for reflection.
The Albero dell’Abbraccio reminds us of the importance of nature. A similar place called Bosco dell’Abbraccio exists near Madonna di Campiglio. It is a forest designed to highlight the beauty of the Dolomites. The idea is gentle and in harmony with the environment.
That Bosco dell’Abbraccio is a place for reflection and listening. It reminds us of our need for connection with nature. Forests offer a chance to find authenticity. They help us reconnect with our primal instincts.
Entering a forest changes us. We feel smaller and perhaps more real. Our certainties fade. We begin to see reality in a new way. The unnecessary things in our lives crumble.
Despite any resistance, the forest captures us. It shakes our fleeting truths. Respect grows within us as we step deeper. It is as if entering is a kind of sacred act.
Only then can the forest truly heal us. We can surrender to it. So, we should pause at the entrance. We should take time to observe what is before us.
Trees are the lords of the forest. Many are older than us. They will remain for those who come after us. Trees are like the columns of life’s temple. They are generous beings.
They filter the air we breathe. They provide shelter for animals and humans. They give us wood and fruit. They heal us with their essences. They protect us from the elements.
Trees ask for little in return. They only need our respect and care. Animals know this. Ancient people understood it. We are now forgetting.
Let us enter silently. Let us move slowly. We should observe everything. We might smell the resins. Our lungs expand with each breath.
We might hear distant rustling. We sense unseen presences. We pay attention. We become aware.
We can hear the voices of the trees. Beech, fir, and larch speak with different voices. They tell stories of life.
In the Bosco dell’Abbraccio, we also find human touches. These are discreet. They appear as phrases from people who loved the forest.
Aphorisms from various times and places share respect for trees. Bernardo da Chiaravalle, Alda Merini, and others speak of trees. Each phrase deserves reflection. We should consider its essence. We can use this time to think about the forest around us.
There is no need to rush in the Bosco dell’Abbraccio. We can sit on the fragrant moss. We can feel part of the place. We can imagine taking root in this land. Only then can we see our surroundings as our own. We must respect and defend them. When we leave, we carry the experience in our hearts.
Here at the Albero dell’Abbraccio, we can find a similar connection. It reminds us of the beauty and importance of nature. It honors those we have lost. It invites us to reflect and remember.