I'm Being Serious When I Say: Hug A Tree

You know all those Yoga-mum groups at the park that are stretching their bodies and breathing deeply; well, they're onto something. They aren't doing it just for the sake of being chic and being handled by a very sexy instructor either! Getting out into nature will ground you and relax your whole being- that's both your body and soul. So I'm serious when I say try hugging a tree.

When you think of tree hugging it usually comes with a stereotypical view. Women and men dancing naked in the forest, high as kites on LSD, flower leis on their heads and all of them very nearly shagging the trees they're hugging. It really doesn't need to be this way though. Tree hugging can be as simple as you walking up to a random tree and putting your arms around it- fully clothed too.

Why would you want to hug a tree in the first place though?

All things big and small consist of energy. People, animals and the four elements (water, earth, fire and air) hold the most energy. A tree is made up of a huge amount of energy since they are of a strong earth element and are nurtured by water, air and fire (molten lava). (People with a fire sun sign or rising sign in particular may find hugging a tree very calming, although a bit uncomfortable at first.) Trees are steadfast, strong and anchored to the Earth. They are the pillars of nature.

I suggest picking a big, old tree that will be impossible for you to get your arms around. The Auckland Domain has wonderful trees that have masses of beautiful energy (the reason why the Auckland Domain is so calming). The fact that hundreds of children and adults have enjoyed playing on and around them has left them with an uplifting energy. If you're feeling shy pick one that is kind of away from the main track so that people aren't staring at you. Relax into the hug, close your eyes, breath deeply and learn to feel the energy emulating from your tree. It is quite powerful!

After hugging a tree (if you relax and don't give a half-arse hug) you'll feel as though your energy has been cleansed and that life isn't so bad. Trees are always willing to share their positivity. If you've had a bad breakup recently or feeling lonely and have no one to hug; hug a tree. They are a great substitute to hugging people. If you're feeling a bit ditzy or been doing too much third eye work, then hug a tree. It will ground your energies, bringing you back down to earth.

I will warn you to proceed with caution when hugging a tree that has been hurt by people. If a tree has been axed or hacked it is not prepared to share energy with someone who is already hurting emotionally themselves. If your intention is to comfort and heal the tree then go ahead and hug it. Nature can always do with a bit more attention and healing from us.

So hopefully you don't think that I'm completely bat-shit crazy and that you actually take away some good from this. There are huge benefits involved in tree hugging. Go forth and enjoy embracing nature, just remember: hug, love and don't go joining any wonton tree hugging cults.


Blessings, light and love xx