The huge trees that dot the pastures and roadway near my home provide life lessons that fill my eyes with varying shades of green after an overnight rain. As I approach the old country church cemetery on Route 65 there is a full growth of trees that has grown together to form an arch. When the sun is behind the clouds there is a bit of apprehension as I drive the quarter of a mile through the emerald green growth. I wonder if I will be lost in trees or if the archway will close with me in it. But when the sun is brilliant, bright and glistening, the rays shine through making a vibrant kaleidoscope of glorious green colors that tickles my eyes and brightens my spirit. I take a number of deep breathes at the end of the expanse of trees. I smile and look to the sky.

The archway of trees reminds me of the experience of tunnel vision that occurs when I am depressed. It is as though I have blinders on and can only see the world through a tunnel. I learn from the archway of trees to prepare for the changes that come along with the depression.  During the darkest depressions the tunnel becomes smaller and closes in on me. The visual distortions change my perception of the world and how the word views me. But when I am no longer depressed I once again become part of nature and marvel at the beauty of the trees.