Tulsa Ice Storm: New Beginings In 2008
By Rich Greene

This winter, Oklahoma and several other Midwestern states were devastated by a severe ice storm that left many without power. Trees were damaged because of the
excessive weight that branches were forced to support due to a build up of heavy ice and snow. Some branches were unaffected, while others were hanging fractured by their limbs, tangled up in lower branches, and many were even resting on personal property like houses and fences. Broken limbs and fallen trees were responsible for disconnecting people from their source of comfort . Power eventually came back as crews worked to reestablish the network of lines responsible for electricity and communication.

There was a significant amount of work to be done in establishing a lost sense of life, as the people of Tulsa knew it. Tulsa seemed to be a very quiet and friendly city with many different types of sections, similar to any other fairly large city. It proved to
have more hills than an easterner would expect, and that, along with the friendliness of people we met, left us with a very comfortable feeling during our 27 day visit to Tulsa during the transition from 2007 to 2008.

We spent our visit working in the trees, focusing on the elimination of hazardous and damaged limbs that left many with an unsettled feeling during the Holiday Season. Working on trees in residential areas requires careful attention to many things. We were using saws and other dangerous equipment, working at extreme heights, and had to carefully analyze the course of limbs being pruned; these were all very important variables to take into account. Every job was significantly different and all the homeowners were unique in the relationships they had with their
trees, and willingness to care for them.

In experiencing the energy required to care for these trees, I reflected on the path I find myself on. Significant amounts of effort went into eliminating the hazardous and unhealthy parts of the trees, much like what happens when we eliminate harmful things in ourselves.

Challenging old thought and behavior patterns requires intentionally refocusing our attention and energy. Trees require sunlight and air flow to thrive, and
when not maintained, they become cut off from the very source that brings them life. This scientific principle prompted me to ask myself some honest questions. It also helped me to engage with people in a more conscious and purposeful way that allows me to feel more connected to myself and others.

In approaching life with a childlike and inquisitive nature, I carefully observe my surroundings; when I do this, I am able to start challenging the way I had previously been conditioned to think. Questioning old thought patterns and behaviors through metaphors like removing ice from a branch and cleansing myself of things
weighing me down can contribute to immense learning if you are open to it.

EVB would like to hear and display your accounts of experiences that lead to questioning, growth or a deeper sense of understanding. If you are interested in passing a story along, please contact Rich at rich@edventurebuilders.com.