Suburbia can be an isolating place. Without care, it can cut us off from our neighbors and from the natural world. Eventually this isolation can creep into our spiritual lives and from there into our decision making, causing us to do things that are harmful to us and to our world. Overcoming this challenge requires regular spiritual practice to form and maintain strong connections to Nature and the Spirits of Nature.
Fortunately, most of us in suburbia have access to trees. Even the cheapest new development usually has a sapling planted in the front yard, while established neighborhoods often have large old trees. And nothing is better at connections than a tree.
“Tree hugging” is usually heard as a term of derision, but it can be a rewarding experience. There is nothing quite like wrapping yourself around another sturdy living thing and feeling its body against yours. If you’ve never done it before, try it!
But as good as tree hugging feels, the connections it forms tend to be short-lived. For deeper, stronger connections, try communing with a tree.
Be polite and don’t make assumptions. Start by approaching a nearby tree and asking if it would like to commune with you. Then listen for an answer – and listen with more than your physical ears. My experience has been that most trees are far more accepting, less judgmental and less pre-judgmental than most humans. But occasionally you’ll come across a tree that just wants to be left alone. If so, simply excuse yourself and approach another tree.
It helps if you learn a little about the tree in advance. What kind of tree is it? Is it native to the area? How much water and sunlight does it need? Does it look the same all year, or does it drop its leaves in Winter? Does it produce fruit, nuts, berries, or flowers? Based on its size and location, roughly how old is it? Is it in good health?
Look at the tree closely. What life does it support? Do birds live in it? Squirrels? Insects? Are the insects helpful or harmful to the tree?
When you’re ready, sit on the ground with your back against the trunk of the tree. Close your eyes. Relax. Breathe. Trees are strong and supple and majestic, but they aren’t fast. Take your time. Feel the physical connection between you and the tree.
Breathe, and as you breathe in, know that you’re breathing in oxygen this tree produced. Breathe, and as you breathe out, know that the tree is breathing in carbon dioxide you produced. You and the tree are sustaining each other.
Now see the tree’s roots – imagine them, visualize them, feel them. Feel them going deep into the soil. What is the soil like – moist or dry? Full of nutrients or sparse? What else is living in the soil? Feel moisture being pulled out of the soil, into the roots, and up into the body of the tree. The tree is connected to the Earth, and you are connected to the tree.
With your eyes still closed, “see” the tree’s branches and leaves or needles. Feel them absorbing light, feeding, growing. Feel the wind blowing through the branches. The tree is connected to the Air, and you are connected to the tree.
Allow plenty of time for the communion. Feel the tree’s life processes and connections and how they’re all connected to you.
Perhaps the tree will speak to you. Perhaps it won’t. Be polite and don’t make assumptions – it hasn’t been standing there all those years just waiting for you to come along. And remember that although trees – particularly old trees – can be very wise, nothing has all the answers. What trees can provide is their own unique perspective on Life and its many interconnections.
When you’re finished, open your eyes and look around. Stand up and face the tree. Thank the tree for communing with you.
Do this regularly and over time you will develop a strong connection with the tree, and through the tree, with all of Nature.
Very well said tips and advice about communing with trees. Just reading it had me remember the many moments I’ve had with the trees. I’d recommend it, and this blog, to anyone. Thank you for taking the time to share this small piece of wisdom.