Nov 182017
 

I have always been attracted to trees. When I was a young girl, the woods behind my house was one of my  favorite places to play. I could spend hours there talking to the fairies and wood nymphs. As I have continued on my spiritual journey throughout my life, I  now realize I was accessing another spiritual plane instead of just making it up in my mind. 

My mind and body feel totally alive when I am among trees. It also gives me a sense of peace. I find nature, especially trees and water, one of the easiest places to meditate and calm your busy mind . 

“The Japanese practice of forest bathing is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost the immune system, and improve overall feelings of well-being.” https://qz.com/804022/health-benefits-japanese-forest-bathing/ This is due to the release of essential oils called phytoncide by the trees to protect themselves from insects and bacteria. The essential oils actually help boost your immune system. 

In my travels, I have been drawn to forests everywhere. The photo above is from the Joshua Tree National Forest. https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm . In addition to the wonderful trees , there  are many stone paths to explore and the sunsets are phenomenal. What a great way to relax from a hurried vacation. 

Another favorite of mine is the Angel Oak Tree near Charleston, SC. http://www.angeloaktree.com/.It is at least 400 years old and more than 66 feet tall. The spiritual energy from that tree is amazing. There are women there making sweet gum baskets carrying on an old tradition. It is a perfect fit to the Angel Oak Tree and the history of both. 

When traveling in Colorado , we decided to take a horseback ride thorough an Aspen Forest. https://csfs.colostate.edu/colorado-forests/forest-types/aspen/I learned that the Aspen forest is the largest living organism since all the trees come from a  single root system. Also that the American Indians used the bark for its healing properties from stomach pains to colds.

Joyce Kilmer National Forest in North Carolina https://www.visitnc.com/listing/joyce-kilmer-memorial-forest was one of the first forests I visited with huge trees. I knew I was hooked in my early 20’s . It was named after Joyce Kilmer who wrote this poem:

I think that I shall never see  
A poem lovely as a tree.  

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest  
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; 

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray; 

A tree that may in summer wear  
A nest of robins in her hair; 

Upon whose bosom snow has lain; 
Who intimately lives with rain.  

Poems are made by fools like me,  
But only God can make a tree. 

 
If you want an easy way to start your meditation practice , I will be glad to answer any questions http://omnigirl.net/naturemeditations/
There are numerous benefits to meditation , among those these 5 stand out for me:  boost immunity, reduce stress, enhance creativity, increase productivity and improve attention and memory. It is never too late to start your daily meditations. Your busy mind will thank you for the peace and quiet it can achieve thorough this practice.