I just returned from a holiday down south, in the land of the Royal Palms, and now when I close my eyes I see palm trees. I see their fronds blowing ecstatically in the wind, sending their message in all directions. I see the one that stood outside my balcony, the ones by the pool, on the beach, all waving to me to remember the message.
The few times I have lived in an area with no trees, I felt something wither inside, as though part of me ceased to exist, or went into hiding. Some of my favourite times have been just sitting alone in the bush.
My favourite streets to have lived on have all been tree-lined – big old trees whose branches have covered the street. I always considered them to be magical, but did not initially realize that it was the trees. I felt protected walking those streets, I felt energized but calm at the same time. I remember one day feeling extremely tired. My walk took me under some trees and as I passed under them, I felt a vibration enveloping me as though they were sending me Reiki. It was a unique experience, a blessing, and it helped me to get through that day.
When I am feeling down and need to shift, I head to the bush. I feel things lifting as soon as I get there. It’s as though the trees know exactly what I need. When I return to “reality” I feel refreshed, energized and as though I can handle whatever comes up. I feel more balanced and grounded.
Being around trees, I’m able to breathe easier, more deeply. Trees do us the wonderful service of taking in (or breathing in) carbon dioxide and releasing (or breathing out) oxygen on a planet that is becoming more and more polluted. So, after a day in an oxygen deprived office building, spending some time around trees is a great idea. Planting trees in your yard makes sure that you have a little extra of the “good stuff”. Reforesting suddenly has greater value.
At times, I have sent Reiki back to the trees. When they are being cut down, it is a shock, not only to them, but to the entire area where they had put down roots. It shatters the energy, as does the noise and violation of its space, and the area may need help to rebalance. The tree itself may need some assistance and support. The trees give me so much, it feels good to be able to give back.
Next time: What I Learned from the Cocoanut Palms
