All that a Tree Offered Me

Nestling between two large tree roots,

I lean into the supportive trunk

as sunlight dances through the leaves

illuminating my closed eyelids with passes of lightness.

My heart rate slows

to match the living pulse of the tree

as its energy transmits to my soul

relaxing, releasing and replenishing me.

Being wrapped in the coziness of the sun’s warmth

and the tree’s being

I offer up gratitude

for the healing nature is providing

while hoping that I give something back to the tree

even though I am not sure what that can be.

I took part in a Nature Therapy Walk the other day and WOW was it powerful. The guide offered up invitations, ways to interact with nature, that encouraged you to just sit and be in nature. You aren’t walking or jogging through it. You aren’t chatting with a friend or on your phone. You are just taking anywhere from 5-20 minutes depending on the invitation to just notice, observe, breathe and interact with nature.

One of my favorites was about spending time with a tree. The invitations was something like- ” Go find a tree. You can stand by it, sit in silence, talk to it, hug it or whatever feels comfortable to you. Just spend time with it. Introduce yourself and enjoy each other’s company. Now go find your tree- your heart will lead you to the tree you need.”

Immediately, I saw my tree. It had beautiful green moss covering the base of it as its roots spread forth to the forest. It looked liked a wonderful place to curl up into. A plus was the sun was shining in that exact spot! As I leaned into the support of the tree, I felt more and more relaxed with each breath. It was like the tree was saying “I’ve got you.” My heart beat slowed and I truly felt a connection between the tree and my heart rhythm. It was like they were in sync. I can’t really put into words the feeling but it was like the tree was offering me some of its energy to soothe my anxieties. It was a very powerful experience.

I love spending time in nature. I am usually hiking through it aware of its beauty that I capture through photos. This was a whole different experience. Now, I plan to just BE with nature at some point along each hike/walk I take. I will stop for 10-15 minutes at a place that calls to me and just soak it in. Thank you to my tree for showing me a new and better way to appreciate the world around me.

Thank you to June Leo-Randazzo who was my Forest Therapy Guide. This is her website, https://www.foresttherapywalks.land/