I felt soothed by her presence, like a child with a mother. Her long arms did not touch me, yet I felt caringly held. I liked the quiet between us. We did not speak and we did not need to. I found more peace spending time with her than I do with most human beings. She isn’t human herself. She is a willow tree I met during a retreat in Ericeira, Portugal. Her countless, delicate arms dangled with almond-shaped leaves. Under the kindness of her shade, finding deep peace seemed easy and natural....