08/03/2025
Need some good vibes?
Go HUG A TREE!
My friend Molly taught me about TREE HUGGING.. what a wonderful way to show gratitude towards nature and fill yourself with HAPPY, HEALTHY VIBES!
This is a little happy note feom Molly:
Tree Hugging:
Trees are wonderful natural friends. Our friends are good to spend time with, as they offer: support, laughs, insights, or just a hug when we need it. Trees are not necessarily the friend to sit down and have a glass of tea with, however trees are good for hugging!
In fact, when hugging a tree, feel good hormones are immediately increased, such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, according to Matthew Silverstone, in his book, Blinded by Science. If feeling good is not enough reason to hug trees, then maybe some biology will help to back up these claims. The Integrative Physician, Dr. Rashmi Schramm, states,
“Trees emit chemicals called Phytoncides – these are compounds that can strengthen our immune system and improve overall health. More specifically, these amazing Phytoncides have been shown to increase the number of NK or Natural Killer Cells – the type of white blood cells that guard against cancer and viruses.”
For mental health, and focus, tree hugging can do wonders. Right before a known stressful event, such as an exam, hug a tree and take a mental picture of the moment. Imagine your breath synchronizing with the breath of the tree. Close your eyes, and feel the energy moving up from the ground, your breath synchronizing with the breath of the tree. Just as the roots provide grounding and stabilization for the heights of your leafy friend, so too, will they provide that for you.
With your next breath, feel the bottoms of your feet sinking into the earth, feel the cool stability of the soil pushing you to new heights. As you take in this blessing, let it flow upwards through you, throughout your entire body. Moving all the way through the top of your head, where the anxiety, stress, anger, fear, is pushed out by this grounding energy, and stability.
When you feel ready, step backwards, and take a deep breath, from your roots to your fingertips, out to your leaves. Let the light shine, for the sunlight above is nourishing and pure, the soil beneath is enriching and grounding, and you, my dear, are a vessel for this light, and refreshing warmth to flow.
Blessings and love,
Molly Roth