I’m a Little Envious of Trees

Xuefeng

July 10, 2024

Sitting by Lake Anahim and gazing at the lush trees along the shore, I suddenly felt a wave of melancholy. Damn it! I’m alive, and yet, I’m not as unrestrained and free as a tree! I couldn’t help but feel envious of the trees.

Trees don’t have personal relationships or the troubles and pains that come with social interactions.

Trees don’t worry about food, clothing, shelter, transportation, aging, illness, or death; they simply grow naturally.

Trees don’t need to worry about or pay for electricity, taxes, water, land tax, internet fees, oil, or gas.

Trees don’t have to deal with any complicated and distressing administrative affairs.

Trees don’t worry about winter, nor do they need to think about heating.

Trees don’t argue with neighbors or distant trees about right or wrong.

Trees quietly observe everything around them, leisurely enjoying and savoring the beauty of nature, almost like celestial beings.

Trees have no sense of national borders, ethnicity, political parties, or religions; they seem almost like Buddhas.

Trees don’t wear pants, don’t go to school, don’t have to manage the emotions of parents, children, spouses, or worry about socializing with relatives and friends during holidays.

Trees are cared for by nature; they just need to calmly enjoy their existence. They don’t need to consider buying a car, getting a driver’s license, or applying for an ID card or passport. Damn it! Living as a human isn’t as good as being a tree—how tragic!