Being a tree

Introduction

Trees play an important role in all our lives. Trees take in the carbon dioxide that we breathe out and transform it into the oxygen that we need for our very existence. This is one of the reasons why the tree is used as a symbol of life and forests are sometimes called “the lungs of the planet”.

Trees also have qualities that make pretending to be a tree perfect for a meditation. Trees have roots that search out life-giving water and nutrients. Trees have strong trunks to hold them upright and yet are flexible enough to bend with the wind. Trees have branches that reach out to the sky. Deciduous or plane trees also have an obvious seasonal cycle. In the spring, the trees bloom and send out tender new leaves; in the summer the leaves provide us with welcome shade and respite from the heat; in the autumn, the leaves take on spectacular fall colours: yellow, orange, red and even purple - enchanting our vision before they fall; in the winter, the leaves decompose on the ground as the tree rests in preparation for another cycle.

The Being a tree meditation

And now as you adjust so that you are in a comfortable position, begin to notice your breathing. Breathing in and breathing out… And as you are breathing in, imagine that you are breathing in light. And as you breathe out, imagine that you are breathing out anything that is not of the light, just letting it go easily and gently. Imagine that angels and beings of light are whisking away whatever you are breathing out, and taking it someplace where it can do good… Just continue to be aware that you are breathing in light and breathing out anything that is not useful at this time…

Now, in this relaxed state, imagine that from the bottom of your feet you have roots reaching down deeply into the earth. These roots are holding you firmly in place while the fine root fibres are seeking out life-giving water and nutrients. In the search for water and nutrients, the roots travel through underground rivers, veins of minerals and layers of rock. Allow your roots to search and notice any sensations that come into your consciousness. Now, open your root system and allow the life-giving water and nutrients to flow up through the roots and into the trunk and then the branches of your tree. Open your root system even more and feel the energy flowing up easily and steadily, providing a continual nutrient supply to your tree. Feel the energy flow out through the tips of the branches and flow back down to the earth where the roots once again seek nutrients. The cycle continues…

Now imagine that you have a strong trunk with many sturdy branches and a glorious leaf canopy. Open your leaf system to the life-giving carbon dioxide in the atmosphere around you. Open even further and feel this energy flow from the leaves into each one of your branches, into the trunk and down through the roots that reach deeply into the earth. Now, imagine that you are open to all the nourishment of the earth and the sky. Open even further to allow even more of these life-giving energies to fill your energy field and sustain you. Savour the experiences of being a tree: open to all the life-giving and life-sustaining nutrients of the planet. When you are ready to return to ordinary consciousness, once again pay attention to your breathing. Notice as you breathe in and as you breathe out. Gradually become aware of your physical surroundings. When you are ready, take another deep breath, open your eyes (if you have had them closed) and stretch, ready to move to whatever is next in your day – relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.