When was the last time you hugged a tree? Do you remember the relief you felt the moment you connected with the tree, like your vibrations were in sync? Do you remember the comforting love from the tree enveloping you in a warm embrace, like you were home? Do you remember the calm that washed over you, like all of your  troubles and worries melted away? Like you were exactly where you needed to be and exactly who you needed to be?

If your answer was 'no' to any of these questions, then go outside and find a tree to hug!  

There’s a government eco-therapy program in Japan that encourages their citizens to do something very similar to this. They call it shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing”, where people go to the forest and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the trees and breathe in the subtle beauty of nature. Soon after shinrin-yoku was practiced in the community, results showed a decrease in stress levels, an improvement in sleep quality, and an increase in overall wellbeing.  

Herman Hesse, a novelist, painter, and poet, wrote a love letter to trees saying, “Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth.” Trees have a silent wisdom, a steadfast resilience and a timeless presence we often overlook. They are a source of comfort, shelter, healing, and spiritual nourishment. In your stillness, listen to the trees tell you about the truth of nature. Come back to yourself and realize your own uniqueness. 

If you feel anxious, mentally or physically exhausted, socially isolated, or overwhelmed, go to nature. Feel the ancient wisdom of the trees fill your cells with unconditional love. Hear the sounds of your vibrations rise up to meet theirs. 

You don’t need to go to the woods to connect with the trees. You can take an outdoor stroll, sit in the park, or look out your window and observe a tree. Hugging a tree is always recommended. If you’re stuck indoors, put on a pair of headphones or play the sounds of our olive trees gently in the background as you meditate.  

In any way that is accessible to you, connect with your nature and find your center.  While you meditate, picture yourself sitting with the trees and practice shinrin-yoku.  Close your eyes and inhale the energy exchange between you and the tree. They breathe in what you breathe out. This continuous cycle of give and take lets you know that you are one with nature. Feel yourself rooted to the ground, like the roots of the strong mountain olive tree and let its sound fill every cell of your body. Let the consciousness of the olive tree raise the vibration of your conscious mind and listen to them speak truth. Listen to the tree guide you back home to yourself and find your own uniqueness. 

If you connect with the trees, your frequency, and therefore your life will change.