Author Dr. Robert Saul

Raising Young Citizens in the Age of Columbine

The Aspen Effect

By

Since I spent a good deal of my formative years in Colorado (high school, college and medical school), I have always had a fascination with aspen trees.  These glorious trees have so many aspects that I have subsequently discovered and found instructive.

The beauty of biology and its branch of botany can elicit both awe and examples of science that take one from an open-mouthed gaze to impactful introspection.  The beauty touches one’s soul and can lead to inspiring actions for nature and humanity.  When one delves into the science, there can be a pattern that sparks analogies to our lives and how those parallels can teach us an improved life and lives going forward.

First, the biology/botany of the aspen tree –

  • One aspen tree is actually only a small part of a larger organism
  • A stand of aspen trees is a singular organism with an extensive root system
  • In a stand of aspen trees, each tree is a genetic duplicate of each other, that is, each tree is a clone of the other
  • Aspen trees grow all year long – their verdant green leaves sprout in the spring and turn a brilliant yellow in the fall
  • The bark of the tree continues its biochemical processes during the winter and provides nutrition for all sorts of animals
  • Aspen trees can recover relatively quickly from forest fires because of the extensive root system
  • Aspen trees require open sunlight, not under a canopy of other trees
  • Aspen trees are the most widespread tree in North America
  • One of the clones of aspen trees in Utah is over 80,000 years old
  • The aspen tree leaf, somewhat heart-shaped, tends to resemble a gold coin in the fall

Second, the aspen tree folklore –

  • The Greek name for aspen is “aspis” meaning shield, attributing to the aspen tree powers of protection
  • The whistling of its leaves blowing in the wind has been said to symbolize communication with other worlds; likewise, the whistling sound has been interpreted to be a call or voice of a Spirit in the forest
  • The whistling of its leaves in the wind has often been referred to as “quaking” and signal a stand of aspen trees even when you cannot see them
  • The regenerative qualities of the trees from their root systems have been equated with family and growth

Photo by John Fielder (in my foyer)

Finally, why my fascination?

  • In my “retirement,” I am working as a consultant to Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries in Greenwood SC, an institution tending to the physical and psychological needs of children within a safe community.1,2 I am so privileged to be a part of an effort to bring enhanced trauma-informed care to the children and families that are served.  Using advances in the relational health, we are seeking to be a national resource for care, education and research in trauma-informed care.  We no longer see children as defined by “what is wrong with you” as we seek to help heal “what has happened to you.”  This change in paradigm is spurred on by the work of Dr. Bruce Perry and countless others.3
  • As I have embarked on the journey, I have paused to reflect on symbolism that might reflect the work of Connie Maxwell and aid in delivering the messages of our work. Prominently displayed in my foyer is a breathtaking photo of southeastern Colorado in the fall with its aspen trees in full fall regalia. It reminded me of my days in Colorado, but I must admit I was purely observing aspen trees for their aesthetic value back then. As I considered their beauty and what I could bring to my consulting work, I delved into the features of the aspen tree. (My comments follow the aspen tree features in italics)
    • Each tree is only part of a larger organism.
      • All the children and families deserve our attention as children of God.
    • The extensive root system sustains the overall organism and continues to grow laterally, unseen but continually nurturing.
      • All the children and families sustaining and living with trauma deserve our constant attention. The extensive root system represents the faith and commitment to the discipleship of Jesus Christ.
    • Aspen trees grow all year long.
      • The ups-and-downs of life that are integral to all of our lives (especially the “downs” in the children and families at Connie Maxwell) encourage us to constantly be seeking ways to help others; that is, their growth is always possible and to be sought and nurtured.
    • The bark of aspen trees continues to provide nutrition in the winter.
      • Even in bleak times (like winter), nourishment (our assistance) is available for our children and families at all times if we only stay committed to providing it.
    • The aspen tree thrives in the sun.
      • Our work for the children at Connie Maxwell and beyond will thrive as we bask in the glory of God, using all the tools at our disposal.
    • The Greek derivation for the aspen tree means shield.
      • Our job is to shield our children from continued harm as we seek to lead them on a path toward restoration.
    • The whistling of the leaves signifies a Spirit.
      • Indeed, the sounds from the aspen trees as the wind gently courses through them can exemplify the holy spirit that pervades our existence and encourages us to build resilience and encourage flourishing for the children under our care.
    • The aspen trees have amazing regenerative properties after fires or other devastation.
      • The children and families under our care have similar capabilities when trauma is minimized, and positive experiences maximized with the safe, stable nurturing relationships that we can provide.4

My analogies might be seen as simplistic and trite.  Yet, I stand committed to look to the Aspen Effect as a series of guiding symbols that can provide the beauty of nature as we engage in the glorious work of helping to repair and nurture children and families.  The green leaves in spring and their gold conversion in the fall shows all the cycles through which we can be there for the children and families.  The Aspen Effect is real in my estimation, and I look forward to Connie Maxwell bringing it to bear for children and families in the years and decades ahead.  See how the Aspen Effect can have an influence in your lives and in our communities.

  1. https://conniemaxwell.com/who-we-are/about-connie-maxwell/
  2. https://vimeo.com/918089656
  3. Perry B, Winfrey O. What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing. Flatiron Books; 2021. 304 pp.
  4. https://mychildrenschildren.com/ladders-of-love/