A tree meditation.
Finding center amidst challenge.
In times of challenge and loss it's more important than ever to double down on those practices that help us tend our well-being,
Even if it's just for a moment here or there,
And in simple ways that we can build into our day.
These conscious moments help us recognize the whirlpools of thought,
Feeling,
And reaction moving within our consciousness.
They allow us to support our inner energies to flow,
And these moments help us find our own authentic perspective amidst a sea of often conflicting viewpoints.
This vital self-care practice allows us to move forward with greater alignment to our values and our inner North Star.
Then we can respond much more effectively to the needs of each moment,
And with a greater degree of considered intention versus reaction.
I believe that when we can find and operate from a greater place of peace inside ourselves,
That we actually help this to ripple out through our being,
Out to the greater world.
In service to this,
I offer you a tree meditation today.
This simple meditation has helped me find centering and renewed energy many times over the years,
Especially in those moments when I felt that I've needed an extra boost.
May this meditation nourish you.
A tree meditation for healing and nourishment.
As our elder siblings,
Trees are wonderful healers that we can turn to in moments of grief and hardship.
They are able to take in conflictive emotional energy and transmute this into the energy of growth.
The trees can also share nourishing frequencies of life force that replenish the human nervous system with healing energy.
Connecting with tree energy is simple.
There's many ways to go about it,
But here is an easy way to start.
And just to note,
If you can't access a nearby tree right now,
You can just imagine a tree that you know well,
And then go through the steps below as an internal meditation.
This will still connect you with the energy of the tree.
So let's get started.
First,
Clearly set your intention to find a tree that is willing to connect with you.
Set your intention for healing and nourishment.
And then use your intuition or your gut sense to find a tree that calls to you right now.
Coniferous trees such as pine,
Cedar,
Fir,
Spruce,
And redwood provide really excellent healing exchanges.
Midsize trees that are not too little and not too big are often ideal for this process,
But you'll need to find what works for you.
Interestingly,
Several healing traditions that I've interacted with often note that it's wise to avoid ash trees for energetic exchange.
I haven't looked into this much,
But it's something to note.
Now when you find your tree,
And perhaps something about this particular tree just stands out to you or catches your attention in some way,
Then you can explore the tree and the tree surroundings a little bit.
Invite your senses to connect with the place and to connect with the unique qualities of that tree.
Engage all of your senses.
Then when you're ready,
Place both of your hands on the trunk of the tree.
Send a heartfelt hello to the tree.
Ask for permission to connect.
For many,
This affirmation may simply come as a subtle sense to proceed.
Then allow your vision to soften.
Sink into your tactile connection with the tree.
Imagine that anything you don't need or that you're ready to shift is being released now.
Absorbed and transmuted by the tree.
You can release this with your out-breath through your hands if you feel the need for some extra focus to help get the energy moving.
Also,
You can sense that fresh energy is flowing into your system from the tree,
And you can use your in-breath to support this flow as needed.
You might also imagine that,
Like the tree,
You have your own roots growing down into the earth beneath your feet.
Once you feel the energetic flow happening,
Which may come as a tingle,
Warmth,
Cold,
Different changes of sensation,
Or just a sense that something's happening,
You can then release all these visualizations and simply come into the moment.
Simply resting in that sense of connection with the tree through your sense of touch.
Spend as much time as you feel you need with the tree.
I recommend at least 10 minutes.
During this time,
You may talk with the tree if you wish.
Cry if needed.
Let the energy move and share anything with the tree that you wish to express.
Trees are great listeners.
If your arms get tired from holding this position,
You can spend some of this time either sitting or standing with your back leaning against the tree,
And know that this exchange is continuing.
When you feel complete,
Thank the tree.
Sense yourself separating from the energy of the tree.
Know that that what you need is moving forward with you,
And that anything you have intended to release is now let go of.
Note any shift in your energy that results.
