Zakarian 1

Kyndal Zakarian

Ludwig

Honors English 101

11 September 2017

The Forest of Life

John Muir was an environmental philosopher during the 1800s who is most known for his

desire and advocation in regards to preserving nature. In 1894, he founded the Sierra Club which

helps to protect Yosemite and Sierra Nevada. Muir also wrote many books, journals, and articles

throughout his lifetime. In his memoir A Wind-Storm in the Forests, Muir recounts his

experience in the woods and observation of the trees during a storm. He then connects nature to

human life through the use of metaphors and allusion to demonstrate that one should embrace

hardships rather than shy away.

Muir believes that it is important to recognize that experiences shape an individual as the

surroundings influence the trees. Just as, The mountain winds, like the dew and rain, sunshine

and snow, are measured and bestowed with love on the forests to develop their strength and

beauty (Muir 89), one develops through the trials they endure. The wind flows by and touches

everything it encounters which connects with the idea that ones trials are unavoidable and touch

each person in a different way. Muir assesses that it is how one handles these situations that

shape a person.

Throughout his text, the storms are revealed as metaphors for hardships and battles that

an individual faces. The wind represents how it touches all while remaining invisible. This

demonstrates that just because it is not apparent does not mean it is not there. The trees are

people and forests are how civilization should be: peaceful and accepting of one another.
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There are several types of trees that Muir encounters during his time in the forest. Each is

touched by different elements and stands in an individual way. Many trees are passed with their

individuality recognized and embraced. Muir accounts the Sequoias as being the best

interpreters of the wind (91). When a storm comes they embrace it and stand tall, going with

each gust of the strong wind as it hits. The Sequoias let the wind come and go but remain

prepared each time. They seem to understand that storms will come and assemble accordingly. It

is in this acceptance that they create their own song in perfect harmony. This is how it should be.

As one encounters the wind of difficulty in life it is crucial to identify its purpose and discover

what can be learned. By cowering or avoidance one is not able to become stronger or grow just

as the Sequoias. In order to thrive, the understanding that not every experience is going to be

ideal must be embraced. The outlook should be what can I learn from this? rather than a

negative reflection. One's mindset will most likely not be changed on a whim so preparation is

important. One needs to understand and accept that there will be trials in life and the only way to

get through them is to have an open mindset. It is the person who challenges life and looks for

new experiences in order to learn that gets the farthests. The oldest trees that Muir encounters are

not the most pristine, but the those who have been beaten down constantly and yet still prevail.

When one gets down, one should take comfort in knowing that the storms are only temporary.

The wind will not blow forever; there will be peace again. With peace comes time to reflect.

When one reflects on life, an understanding of the storms can be made and ... faith in nature is

established (90).

Each storm is unique and, thus, touches each tree in a unique way; but if every tree is also

different from one another then wouldnt some naturally be more equipped to withstand the

blows? While Muir describes each tree's stature, he does not account this is as the reason some
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survive and some are blown over. He considers the soil to be the reason one tree may fall while

another stands tall. Muir does not give an account of a specific type of tree that has better soil,

because any tree can be planted in healthy soil. The soil is the foundation of the tree just as one's

mind is the powerhouse of an individual. Without strong roots, one cannot withstand the storms in

life. The good news is that mindset is extremely personal and unique. Walking through the forests

Muir experiences a sense of purity and contentment. Submerging himself in nature, allows for

self-reflection which can improve ones outlook. This explains why there is a wide range of

variance and some prevail more than others. Muir notes that the trees with the strongest roots are

the ones that withstand the storms, as in life those who embrace the winds are the ones who shall

flourish.

The resilience of nature is a trait that is to be admired. In one of Muirs unpublished

journals he describes nature as, always lovely, invincible, glad, whatever is done and suffered by

her creatures. All scars she heals, whether in rocks or water or sky or hearts (337). No matter the

damage, nature always prevails. By listing elements of nature and lastly the heart, an essential

connect to humankind is made. While the trees hold onto their roots, they hold a certain amount

of elasticity that allows them to bend and not break. One should hold strong onto what makes

them an individual and not allow difficulties to tarnish their spirits.

In life, many people are encountered just as Muir walks through the forest and meets

hundreds, if not thousands, of trees. As he looks ahead there are unlimited opportunities for him

to confront different trees. When walking, he notices the structure and appearance of the trees but

takes into account the storms they have faced. He does not look down at a fallen tree in pity but,

rather, in admiration. Muir even accounts the oldest trees as wise and free. He evaluates what they

have been through and notices that in life, Most people like to look at mountain rivers, and bear
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them in mind; but few care to look at the winds (96). Muir points out that humans can be

extremely judgemental and only see one another at face value. Do not pity those who look more

worn because often one does not know the storms they have survived. One should look at others

proudly that they have come this far and are still thriving. The trees that stand the longest are the

ones with the good foundation and who have others to lean on. Storms should not be faced alone

just as in life is it normal to ask for help from others. Humans share life with one another just as

the trees share the forests. It is inevitable that some will fall, but by recognizing the significance

much knowledge will be obtained.

After Muir tells the story of his time in the forest, he reflects. This is the most important

aspect of his memoir. Throughout he has alluded to the connection between nature and human

life but here he depicts the similarities. Muir says, We all travel the milky way together, trees

and men our own little journeys, away and back again, are only little more than tree-wavings-

many of them not so much (97). Muir realizes that he has learned from his time in the forests

that life is very simple. While many may feel disconnected to nature due to lack of exposure,

Muir exposes the positive impact spending time with the trees has. The similarities humans have

to the trees is evident to be much more extensive than one might realize. The simplicity of the

life in the forests is encouraged by Muir for personal growth. The trials that one goes through

that seem very detrimental are merely a learning experience or a wave in the wind. Embracing

the wind and storms of life are pertinent to survival. The forests create a barrier and support one

another. Through friends and family one can find a personal support system to help them

flourish. Do not allow challenges to intimidate, but rather look ahead with open arms. Growing is

part of life for trees and human alike. The trees seem to live a more simple life in comparison,

when in actuality everyone faces ones own kind of struggle that impacts each in a very personal
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way. These should not be compared because just as one storm may take down some trees, the

same storm is making another stronger. Muir learns acceptance and suggests that just as the trees

accept the storms, doing so it makes them more ready for the next one. In life one preparation for

the storms is all that one can do because just as the wind, storms are unavoidable. The

comparison to human life and nature helps to demonstrate the simplicity of life. By

acknowledging that there will be hardships, one can become better equipped to handle coming

challenges. It is the hardships that one faces that make them unique, as these experiences

compose a person. Learning to embrace the storms allows one to accept, live, and grow just as

the trees perform in the forest.

In order to thrive one must be analogous to the trees and learn from their experiences in

life. Muir recognizes that it is how the trees handle the storms, rather than their structure, that

allow for survival and growth. Appearance is not as valuable as what is inside. His advocation

for national parks stems from his time spent outside. Submerging himself in the simple

surrounding its true beauty is revealed. This must be preserved so others can learn from nature as

he has. By embracing the storms and individuality in life, one will live as the trees do, and

ultimately flourish in the forest of life.

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Works Cited

Muir, John. A Wind-Storm in the Forests. American Earth: Environmental Writing Since

Thoreau, Ed. Bill McKibben, Literary Classics, 2008, pp 89-97.

Muir, John. John of the Mountains: The Unpublished Journals of John Muir. Ed. Linnie Marsh

Wolfe, University of Wisconsim Press, 1979, pp 337,

http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/writings/favorite_quotations.aspx.