Healing From the Trees

For our practice of the day, since we’re just past the equinox—the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere and the fall equinox in the southern hemisphere, a time of changes—let’s focus on a spring equinox, particularly for those in the northern hemisphere. While it may not be exactly what those in the southern hemisphere need, it’s still beneficial and a good practice to do at any time.

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As a bit of a preface, some of you may know that I’ve been an acupuncturist, Chinese medicine doctor, and Qigong practitioner for close to 50 years. What we’re doing in this practice, along with many others, is a combination of that world and the Sufi world, and this will be the same for what we do here.

In Chinese medicine, spring is associated with the wood element, which I like to expand to the tree element. The trees are the living wood, and at this time of year, breathing in tree energy is very nourishing for us as we move into spring. Spring is also the time of the liver and gallbladder in Chinese medicine, so it’s especially beneficial for everyone as we transition into this season.

To start, tune in to a special relationship you have with a tree or a forest, a place that’s meaningful to you, one that nourishes you, or one you’ve visited and connected with. Whether it’s an individual tree or a group of trees, whatever feels right for you is fine. If it’s an individual tree, approach it and, if comfortable, put your hands around it or hug it. If it’s a forest or group of trees, simply extend your hands out in a receptive way, feeling the entire area or group of trees.

Begin by feeling the tree, thanking it for being a part of your world, and noticing the strength of the trunk, its deep roots connecting to the earth, and how it reaches up to the sky, breathing in light energy. The trees breathe in life and light, and we ask if they’re willing to share that energy with us.

Once you’ve connected, we’re going to tone Hayy deep into the tree and then breathe deeply and draw life from the tree, taking its energy into ourselves.

Take a deep breath in and, as you do, breathe in the tree’s life force, bringing it into your heart, hands, and body. Exhale back into the tree. Continue breathing in the life of the tree, connecting deeply with it, letting the energy flow through you, especially to any parts of you that need healing. You may feel this energy come from the roots and the leaves, from both the earth and the light, flowing into you. On your exhale, send that energy back into the tree.

After breathing in and out for a few moments, connect once more with the tree and, with gratitude, thanking the tree for sharing its energy with you. Let go of the tree or tree energy and step back, transitioning into an assimilation meditation – allowing the energy to flow into all the cells of your being. Let it flow naturally, without directing or controlling it, remaining soft and fluid as it moves into the areas where it’s needed.

This is a good practice to do before bed, as it can bring the energy into your dream state. It’s also especially helpful to do for a few days around the seasonal changes to really charge up. If you feel you need nourishment for your liver or gallbladder, continue practicing this as it can be a great support. Given the challenges of living on this planet, many of us need help with our liver, so if you’re drawn to this practice, it can be especially beneficial.