Did You Hug a Tree Today?
I admit, I have a thing for trees. Some folks think I'm nuts
while others have expressed agreement when I say I can feel the energy of a tree. Today is Tu b'Shvat (the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat). It is the holiday marking the New Year for trees.
Without getting into a discussion about the unsound destruction of forests around the world, I want to say a few words about my simple emes about trees. This, because I share the planet with these magnificent creations. And on their New Year, I dedicate this blog to them.
First, join me on a stroll down memory lane - actually, the street I called 'home' my entire childhood. There were three trees that were an integral part of my childhood scenery.
1 There was "The Big Tree" which sort of divided our block into two parts. I believe it was an old oak - solid as they come.
It was huge (at least from my childhood standpoint) ; its roots were so humongous they tore apart the sidewalk. The Big Tree was a demarcation point. We'd say things like 'I'll meet you at The Big Tree' or 'I'll race you to The Big Tree'. Not only did it work as a great hiding place for Hide and Seek, it provided refuge to the neighborhood cats escaping threatening dogs.
On my last trip back to the old neighborhood, I was extremely saddened to see that The Big Tree had been removed. The sidewalk had been fixed and there was no sign of this grand monument of my childhood.
2 Another tree on our block stood on the sidewalk in front of our next door neighbors' house. I remember when it was planted. That tree became famous when our friend Howie's sister, having just received her driver's license, backed the car up by mistake while Howie had his hand up against the tree. As his sister backed up, Howie's finger got smashed between the open car door and the tree. It was something to point out to all the kids after Howie went off to the emergency room. I felt like a celebrity because I was witness to it all. The little maple tree lived with its blood stain as proof of my tale.
3 The third tree of importance on our block was directly across
the street from our house. It was a white birch. In the winter, when icicles would form, it looked like a miniature winter wonderland - white bark, with icicles hanging off its bare branches. I would spend a lot of time staring at it through our living room window on cold winter days.
As an adult, I find trees teach me about the grandeur of the Creator. They inspire me to be steadfast, solid and strong. They teach me to open my arms in prayer and to be ready to receive the many blessings of the Creator. Their varied colors, shapes and sizes remind me that people come in all shapes and sizes and all are part of Creation.
I love trees. I love their smell after a rain. I'm not embarrassed to say I talk to trees.
I hug trees and offer them encouragement. I believe they can feel in some way. I get upset when I see people have stapled or nailed signs to trees. I get sad when I see trees being cut down. It would be so much kinder if someone would explain the reason for the cutting or trimming and talk them through it.
Touching trees for even just a few minutes will bring you a sense of peace and calm. This, because trees are connected to the earth and its infinite storehouse of free electrons. Touching a tree for even a short period of time can reduce stress, pain and inflammation, increase energy levels and help restore our bodies to their natural healthy state.
What more can I say? I love trees. Did I say that already? They are a wonder to look at. To me, they are the manifestation of Hashem's (the Creator's) magnificence. So go on....even if people are looking.... set an example; get out and hug a tree. Become One with nature for a few minutes.
Open your heart to feel the 'love' radiated by the tree of your choice. I hugged quite a few this morning :) And when I felt the energy and the love, I understood that really, it is the Love of the One Source of All. It's simply another awesome way to experience that Love.
Wishing all the trees on the globe a blessed year
- Happy Tu B'Shvat!
MashaFaygel