Rediscovering Nature: The Power of Tree Hugging and Connecting with the Earth

It's fascinating to witness the real-time benefits of nature now that I've slowed down my life and reconnected with myself.

After living a busy North American lifestyle for over half a century, it's been a refreshing change. Growing up in Canada, I was constantly surrounded by nature, but as an adult, I often found myself longing for the weekends, just to get away from the city and get a dose of fresh air up North.

Now that I’ve made the move to Thailand, I find myself immersed in nature all the time again, and I’m starting to truly understand the meaning of "tree hugging." As busy business folks, we used to laugh about people who preferred the peace and quiet of nature over the hustle and bustle of cities and offices. We justified our choices in a way that made them seem "better" or at least "acceptable."

Recently, I hosted a Blue Lotus ceremony, and one of our Japanese guests had a deep, almost spiritual connection with the trees. This encounter made me reflect on my own connection to nature, which brought to mind a podcast I had recently listened to. It was all about the importance of connecting with nature and how trees are like our grandparents, holding so much wisdom about the planet. That reminder struck me deeply, reinforcing the value of nature and our relationship with it.

Tree hugging, whether symbolic or literal, is practiced worldwide to promote health and well-being by fostering a deeper connection with nature. In Japan, shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) involves spending time in forests to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost physical health. It’s a practice rooted in mindfulness, where simply being present in nature, breathing fresh air, and listening to natural sounds can transform your mental and physical state.

Similar traditions focused on health exist globally:

• South Korea practices forest therapy, where people visit forests to improve mental health and reduce stress, much like shinrin-yoku.

• New Zealand’s Māori culture reveres trees, fostering a spiritual connection to nature that promotes overall well-being.

• In Germany, "Baumumarmung" (tree hugging) is practiced to deepen people's connection with forests and support mental clarity.

  
  

In each of these practices, tree hugging or simply being in nature provides a chance to improve your health, relieve stress, and cultivate a deeper, more meaningful connection with the natural world.

As I spend more time in nature, most of my day now, I’ve come to understand just how vital this connection is. It’s not just about escaping the hustle and bustle—it’s about restoring balance, reconnecting with our roots, and gaining a new perspective on life.

Whether you’re in a forest, a park, or your own backyard, spending time with trees and the natural world is a powerful way to nurture both body and mind.