The wisdom of trees

At this moment in time, we witness the trees awakening, adorning the landscape with soft greens and delicate blossoms, singing a song of renewal in harmony with the turning wheel of the year. As fresh buds unfurl and the earth stirs from its slumber, we too feel the gentle pull toward growth and expansion. The lengthening days bring a sense of hope and possibility, inviting us to embrace new beginnings with self-compassion and openness. This is a season of emergence, where reflection turns into action, and if you are looking for support to commence a year of earth based wellbeing practices, you need look no further than the wisdom of trees.

A tree that I am particularly drawn to is the beech tree and not just because of their stratospheric leafy temples. They are giants amongst giants, behemoth in their presence, often thought of as the mother of the woods or Queen Beech. Ancient lore tells us that the Beech tree is known for her generosity of spirit, she gives both protection and nourishment, as she fans her branches out into a broad canopy, thought to have inspired great cathedrals.

Our ancestors who once walked this land believed in animism, that all things are living sentient beings. This knowledge has been preserved in the indigenous people around the world and spreading, as more and more people are relearning the ancient ways of co-existing, with all the beings that live on our very sentient Mother Earth. Science is only scratching the surface of understand how our great forests live in community, communicate, protect and heal together. However, you need only walk amongst them to truly experience the wisdom and healing that our great guardians generously have to offer and will readily share if only you ask….

In their many years of being they have connected the three worlds of the lower, upper and middle world, otherworldly planes where we can connect with the helping spirits for wisdom, guidance and healing. Regular practice achieving an altered state of consciousness whether that be through the shamanic journey with the drum or a deep meditative state, we can learn to reconnect with our own inner wisdom and from there connect with, well, whatever it is you believe in or not… yes you can just connect with your own inner wisdom. Something we as a human tribe have forgotten as society has encouraged us to look outward for answers, when really, they lie within us.

Spending time in trees is proven to boost your immune system, reduce stress, improve mood and improve focus, energy levels and sleep. You have nothing to lose!

How to practice.  Find a tree that catches your attention and honour them in your own way. This can be through touch, words, song, whatever way feels right for you.  Start by consciously setting you intention or what you want to get out of the practice, intention is everything. In you mind’s eye connect with the tree, see, sense, feel your connection growing and establishing. Clear your mind by focusing on your breath, a good pattern is breathing in for four, hold for four breath out for eight and relax, allow your mind to drift and become the observer.  Communication with the tree beings can be visual, auditory, sensory or a knowing, so remain open to the work and the things you experience.  Journal your experiences and insights on closing, experiences may be remembered but insights fade so write them down. This is also helpful to reflect back on, deepening your understanding, particularly if you are working with this intention multiple times. Look for action/guidance and put them into practice. You will honour what you receive by putting it into practice. Transformation comes from action. Finally close by giving gratitude to the beings who come to offer their wisdom.