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There was a massive Spruce tree in my childhood backyard. High up in the branches there were some boards where someone had built a little tree house. The tree represented fun and solace. To this day, I think of that tree. When I was sad I would sit against the truck, the big roots embraced my back and the smell soothed my angst. When it was time for fun I would run around the trunk and climb the branches. Whether it was a time a joy or a time of sorrow, the tree was always there.
At the time I never thought anything of it, it was just there. Now when I close my eyes I can still marvel at the sight of the green branches weaving their way high in the sky and blocking the sun’s glow.
Trees offer us so much; oxygen, shade, food, and shelter. They are so important. They can tell us which way the wind is blowing, where the sun shines and even where there is water.
Not only do trees help us sustain life on the physical level but they also feed our spirit. Forest bathing is one of the more recent viral sensations to take the web by storm. People go the forest to reduce stress and improve their overall well-being. Known as Shinrin-Yoku in Japanese there are many scientific studies proving the benefits of a forest bath.
  • Boosted immune system functioning
  • Reduced blood pressure
  • Decreased stress
  • Increased mood
  • Increased ability to focus
  • Faster recovery from surgery or illness
  • Increased energy levels
  • Improved sleep
  • Deeper intuition connection
  • Strengthening of relationships
  • Overall increase in of happiness
I believe the connection to nature is healing. #NatureHeals. I also believe it allows us a break from the stresses of modern life. Of always looking and acting what society tells us we “should”. What else does it do? It helps us relax and when we relax our body heals.
Ram Dass speaks of what we can learn from trees. “When you go into the woods and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of the them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them evergreens, and some of them are whatever. You look at the tree and allow it. You appreciate it… the minute you get near humans you lose all of that. The judging mind comes in. So I practice turning people into trees.”
Take sometime and go visit the trees. Let the trees be your teacher. Let the trees be your healer.