TreeLog

Have you ever… hugged a tree?

Sounds weird but tree hugging is actually becoming a buzz as it is said to have various benefits such as decreasing stress levels and releasing oxytocin. Oxytocin is called the love hormone but I like to call it the kindness hormone. Healers advocate that hugging a tree is a method to connect with nature and can have therapeutic and healing benefits. In Japan they called it Shirin-yoku, known as forest bathing. 

I feel that just being in the forest or a place with huge trees has soothing benefits. Hugging a tree is a simple process; close your eyes, extend your arms to wrap around the trunk and press your cheeks on the bark. This might be a little uncomfortable at the beginning if the texture of the tree trunk is rough but it helps to be grounded in the moment…the NOW. Hug the tree and breath, keeping the eyes close and listening to the natural environment around: rustling of leaves, birds chirping and your breath.

Enjoy the moment and feel the weight off your shoulders and thank Mother Earth for this beautiful treasure which provides you with the oxygen you breathe everyday…

Try hugging a tree and let me know in the comments…I did ( pictures below)