Tree Talkin'

"Waking Planet Flag in the Forest"                                                         B Upton

In my post, "Childhood Aha! Moments" I spoke of an early memory that has helped shape my worldview today.

I was about 7 or 8 and playing outside alone, as was usual for me, being an only child and not allowed to venture far. So maybe it wasn't surprising that I found my companions in nature. The wind was blowing and whistling through the giant elms overhead. As I looked up I had the distinct impression that the trees were talking to me! I remember feeling very comfortable "talking" to the trees. It seemed they understood and loved me unconditionally and I them! I can't remember specifically how these conversations went, but I was happy to have such powerful friends.

"Sacred Pond"                                                                                         B Upton

"Yellow Fall"                                   B Upton

I have had a love affair with trees and all of wondrous nature ever since.

The other day my 8 year old grandson said, "Grandma do you know that the trees exhale oxygen that we need to breathe in? And that they breathe in the carbon dioxide that we breathe out- isn't that amazing?" Yes it is. In addition to being beautiful, providing habitat for birds and animals, wood for our shelter and warmth, fruits, nuts and shade, trees anchor the soil, conserve water and act as the lungs of our planet.

Trees effect us on deep levels. Studies have shown that trees near homes can boost concentration, calm people, reduce ADHD in children, help people heal faster, strengthen communities and even reduce domestic violence!

"Red Trees and Pink Barn"                                                                       B Upton

"Tree by the Ocean"                                                                                           B Upton

"Magical Opening"                           B Upton

We can draw on the strength and endurance of trees in meditations. Like trees, we can become the intermediaries between the earth and heavens; the physical and the spiritual. For a short, guided meditation that will help to restore and calm you, try the Silk Cotton Tree Meditation.

And of course, I highly recommend hugging trees! Let your heart pick one out. Approach it slowly with respect. Touch its bark, breathe in its scent and the fresh air it creates. Look at the beautiful canopy overhead. Then press your heart next to the tree and wrap your arms around it and feel the pulse of life in the tree merge with yours. Allow its strength and steadfastness to fill you. Give thanks for its power and  beauty. And don't forget to talk to the tree (you can do so silently). They are very good listeners!

Mini Meditations, Part One - The Silk Cotton Tree

Waking Planet About Us Page                                                                B Upton

African Silk Cotton Tree (See the woman on the left?! This tree is a giant!)           B Upton

This is the beginning of a series of short meditations inspired by  the photos above! Benefits will be enhanced by doing it outside, but you can do indoors too. This will help you connect to the earth, your breath and spirit. In it you will become like the tree and you will feel more centered, peaceful and strong.

Part One - The Silk Cotton Tree (Earth)
Take some nice deep breaths. Allow yourself to relax more and more with every breath you take. Each time you exhale let all of your cares and worries go, just breathe them out...let them go. For the next few minutes you can choose to be worry-free. You deserve this!

Our Home                                                                        NASA

Bring your awareness to the earth. Feel her vast and powerful energy. Note her exquisite beauty. Our earth is a fragile, spinning jewel; the most beautiful of our solar system and perhaps the most beautiful beyond that! Although she is facing challenges, the earth also still holds amazing energy that has the power to heal, restore and make whole. 

It is available to you now. All you have to do is use your imagination to connect to this loving source. It is easy, because you are just coming into alignment with your natural state of oneness with the earth and all life on it. 

So begin by imagining roots extending from your feet and from the base of your spine- sinking deep down into the rich loamy soil of mother earth. As your roots go deeper and deeper, your connection to the earth grows stronger. You begin to feel a sense of deep belonging and safety which helps you relax more completely.

When you feel very peaceful and relaxed, begin drawing up the nurturing, vibrant and healing energy of mother earth every time you inhale. You might imagine this as a beautiful golden light. Let this light bring strength and health to your every cell. When you feel full of this strong earth energy - this golden light - imagine branches sprouting from your head and extending up into the sky. See them growing as high as other trees, to the moon, past planets, intertwining through the sublime beauty of our galaxy, our universe, our home. Feel your leaves gently swaying in the celestial winds.

As you inhale allow the loving energy of the heavens to flow unobstructed down into you. Imagine it filling every part of you with brilliant, joyful, white light. It awakens the divinity within and brings you the peace "that passes all understanding."

Now once again draw up the life force energy of the earth and the life blessing energy of the heavens. Imagine these energies merging in your heart - earth's golden light blending with the white light of spirit.

It feels like a homecoming- you are aware of your balance, grace and strength. Like the tree, you have become an intermediary between the physical and spiritual worlds. You are meant to be a conduit for these vast, healing energies. When you invite them in, you are energized and made whole. From this place you begin to remember your infinite and divine capacity for love and compassion. 

And like the Silk Cotton Tree, you can stand strong, still and steadfast as change happens all around you. Give thanks to the earth below you and the heavens above you. Give thanks for this precious life.

Return to you day feeling more relaxed, centered and at peace.
Peaceful and Loving Blessings on Your Path!
Barbara

Coming Next! Mini Meditation, Part Two- The Water Lily