| Morgan |
10-10-2002 02:52 PM |
Tree Hugging 101
Hugging a tree will leave you feeling grounded and at one with the earth. It is a way to express your love for Our Mother, and at the same time feel that love flow back into you. Your worries and your cares can be taken by the tree to be transformed into earth energy, much the way the tree transforms carbon dioxide into oxygen.
Choosing Your Tree
Unless you are the type that enjoys strange looks from passersby (and I have been known to be that type in my odder moments), finding a secluded tree might be your best bet. Your backyard, a seldom-used corner of the park, any of the thousands of trees in the woods will do.
A tree with a trunk at least the size of your own is good. A narrow tree like an aspen is a bit awkward and may leave you feeling as if you had hugged yourself (which is a good thing to do, as well, but we'll save that for another thread). Getting poked in the chin by a sapling is no fun and will have the opposite effect of what we're going for here. A good, solid, "been around awhile" tree will serve the purpose. Find a tree that "sings" to you - that makes your heart swell.
The Actual Hugging
Approach the tree with honor and love. Wrap your arms around it and whisper endearments. Tell it of your woes, and let your stress run from you into the tree, knowing that the tree will transform that energy for more useful purposes. Feel the bark against your cheek, and know that we ARE all one, that this tree is your brother.
Advanced Tree-Hugging
If you are unable to find a secluded tree, you can sit with your back to a tree. Bring along a notebook and either let the tree serve as a muse and write or draw, or just doodle and pretend you're doing so. Send your stresses out your spine, and feel the energy flow through your back.
You will find, that if you make a regular practice of tree-hugging, that you feel more grounded, and more at peace with the world around you. Try it!
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