How to Hug Trees

Introduction

Hello and welcome. Whether you’re here to see if this blog is actually about hugging trees, or if you’re curious how to do it right. Yes, this post is dedicated to tree hugging. However, it’s also more than that, it’s about the benefits and beauty behind the act.

Many cultures, especially ancient cultures, hold a deep appreciation and reverence for trees. Trees often tend to represent wisdom, life and growth. Think of the tree of life. Trees symbolize the interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual world. 

In this post, I’ll share my mom’s explanation for why hugging trees matter, offer tips to help you have the best experience and reflect on my own journey with it. While there’s plenty of science and cultural history to explore, I want this to feel like a casual conversation. Almost like a podcast, but in writing. If you want a scientific deep-dive blog, send me an email. I’m happy to write that too. Feel free to check out this link with scientific reasons.

What is Tree Hugging?

Let’s get rooted, yes, I had to say it. Tree hugging is exactly what it sounds like, something tree huggers do. This isn’t some Gen Z trend. People have been hugging trees for centuries, even as a form of protests. To learn more visit this link.

The appreciation of trees has been around since ancient times. There’s something about trees, they give us what we need to live and we give it back in return, even though as a population we’ve done a horrendous job at it in recent years. There are many reasons as to why people hug trees, maybe it’s culture, energy or just desire. Whatever the reason may be, it is valid.

Why You Should Hug Trees

Growing up as a family we would visit the Sequoia National Park often since it is like a 45-minute drive from us. There is something magical encapsulated by the Redwoods. My mom would hug the trees and force us to hug them as well. Yes, literally force us, we were all embarrassed we’d be viewed as crazy. Maybe we were, maybe we weren't, it truly did not change anything. 

My mom told me trees are alive and are life. By this she meant they hold history and carry stories. They have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. She taught me to appreciate extraordinary things, even if they seem ordinary. Even when it’s just a tree because it’s not just a tree. 

The benefits of hugging a tree according to my mom could reduce stress, clears your mind, helps with blood pressure and improves your mood. She based this all on feelings and energies.

If you’re interested in learning a bit more on Redwoods check this link out.

My mom hugging a tree that she felt called to her.

Tips For Tree Hugging

There are five tips I can give to have a marvelous experience when hugging a tree.

 1. Find a tree that speaks to you. Not literally, more like a feeling something that naturally gravitates your attention to it. Maybe it’s a weird-shaped tree, tall, wide, whatever it may be that draws you in. Go with your gut. It could be possible that it’s multiple trees if that’s the case, maybe you give great hugs and the trees sense it.

2. Make sure you don’t have any sort of technology on you. You want to be fully present when you’re hugging a tree you don’t want disconnection. I believe trees can sense the bluetooth or blue light being emitted and will automatically call of your bluff.

3. Hug the tree and wait until you feel something almost spiritual connect with you. It might not happen the first time, but when it does you’ll know. I can only describe it as a peaceful vibration. Maybe there’s a better explanation for it, but really all I can think about is good vibes.

4. Approach the tree with respect and willingness. It might sound strange, but I genuinely believe nature can pick up on your energy. If it feels like you’re not there for good intentions it won’t connect to you. Of course if you’re feeling down it’ll try to cheer you up by elevating your mood.

5. Enjoy being in the present moment. Take a moment to realize you’re hugging a tree. Isn’t it so liberating to be hugging a tree and drop your ego? It’s a beautiful action to embrace nature with or without promised results.

Like mother like daughter.

Closing

As previously mentioned I was extremely embarrassed of hugging trees growing up. I simply didn’t get it, but what could I get I was only a child. Now as an adult I understand the things she told me. I love hugging trees. I feel like it’s one of the ways to show Earth how grateful I am for all it’s provided me. 

I encourage everyone to hug a tree and to care about it. If people don’t appreciate nature they will not understand it. If they don’t understand it, they won’t care to protect it. So then who will? Whether tree hugging actually has benefits or not, what’s the harm in hugging a tree and spreading your love to the reason you breathe?

*All photos were taken by me.

*External links offer more knowledge, but were not used to reference or cite anything from my blog.