Tree Hugging for Health

By: Maggie Marshall | Posted in: Connection with Plants | Sunday, Sep 28, 2014 - 3:00pm

When was the last time you really looked at a tree and wondered what it’s life is like? Did you really stop, centre yourself to a place of quietness, and listen to any thoughts or impressions that came into your mind. Did you wonder what it would be like to hug a tree?

I was hugging a cottonwood tree recently because I read that tree hugging is now scientifically validated to be good for your health.  Trees give off vibrations that contribute to our well-being.  So do plants.

You just need to be near them to feel more positive.  So meditating among trees has great benefit.

Different vibrations affect our physiology and behaviours differently. So if you hug a cottonwood, your response could be quite different than hugging a pine tree.

So what did I feel when hugging a cottonwood? I looked at its furrowed bark, and wondered how old it was and what it has seen? I felt immense peace. I got images of the land when it was inhabited by aboriginal people.  When buffalo still existed.  I saw people sitting around a campfire, talking and joking.  There was joy and community. Have we lost this?

These trees are probably at least 100 years old.  They will be cut down for a housing development. They say they are ready for that, that they have had their time?  I wonder if we can go out as gracefully when we have deep furrows in our skin and it is our time to leave?

Would you like to hug a tree? Always ask for permission from the tree. Try different types and see if you get different feelings or messages from each one.

I would love to hear your comments. Did you try it? How does it feel to hug a tree?