Seen from above, glacier rivers have carved mesmerizing shapes into the volcanic soils of the Icelandic highlands. The relentless flow of meltwater carries fine sediments and minerals, painting swirling patterns and vivid hues that can only be fully appreciated from the sky. Against the backdrop of dark volcanic soil, there is a subtle emergence of life as bright lichens begin to reclaim the rugged landscape, offering a glimmer of hope in this stark, yet beautiful environment. The scene captures nature's resilience, where life slowly pushes through even the harshest terrains. I was flying over the highlands and volcanic landscapes of Iceland when this particular shape appeared below. We circled a couple of times to get the exact angle I wanted, capturing this natural metaphor for the tree of life.