How to Meet a Tree

I love building my connection to the natural world, especially that which is right on my doorstep. I consider each element my neighbours!

If you’d like to get to know your natural neighbours, here’s how in 10 simple steps:

1. Choose a tree

This can be one you’re already acquainted with, or an entirely new-to-you specimen.

It will draw your attention in somehow, a nod, a rustle, maybe even a little creak or a bow. Perhaps it stands majestic like a guardian to all around it. Perhaps it’s small and unassuming, or nestled between others wrestling for light and space, or entangled in the support of a close nit community.

However you first behold your new potential friend, take in its presence as part of your first impression.

2. Greet it

Step towards it and make a polite greeting or gesture; it could be a silent nod of the head, a ‘good morning, how are you today?’.

You may like to make a physical connection by placing your hand on the bark of its trunk, shake an extended branch hand or even dive in for a hug. Whatever feels appropriate for the moment, be it bold or conservative.

3. State your intentions

“I’d like to get to know you better”. Feel free to say this out loud or in your head. Maybe adding that you’ve seen it about recently, or over the years and are keen to make the time to connect.

4. Take it slow

Trees seem as though they have all the time in the world. Indeed, most enjoy a lifespan greater than ours. They have seen many seasons and know there is no need to rush. Life is abundant.

Pause, smell the air, feel the energy of the spot it inhabits. See what it sees. Notice who it shares its environment with.

5. Noticings

Now really start to notice this tree’s unique characteristics. Stand at its foot and look up at the trunk and into its branches. Howe does it express itself? Does it remind you of anything?

Notice how the branches reach out, the direction and angle, the relationship to others, the density or spaciousness, rigidity or flow.

Does it have any scars? What story might it tell about those?

Listen. Observe.

What creatures could it be housing? How many?

Who else visits it?

Is the bark smooth, deeply furrowed, red, brown or silver?

Can you see any flowers, fruits, or buds up above?

What has dropped beside your feet?

6. Deepening

You may want to pick a specific element and sit with it a while. Maybe a leaf, bud, flower, fruit or stick. Find a quiet spot and look intimately at it as though it’s something new and precious. You want to know every aspect of it, ever contour, every blemish, every crack. You want to receive all of its perfect imperfections, enjoy its raw beauty and uniqueness.

Keep noticing until you run out of noticings.

7. Wonderings

Now turn your attention to your wonderings. What are you curious about? It may feel just right to express them and let them float away, content with the unknown and the certainty that all will be revealed in good time.

You may want to make a list of your wonderings and take them home with you. You may want to follow up with research. You may wish to discover its given name, the species by which it is know to humans. You may wish to know if it’s edible so you can continue to deepen your relationship through extending your sensory connection.

8. Wisdom

How can you utilise the energy and essence of this being into your own life? What elements of the way it stands in this world could work for you in some way? How does it approach living on this earth? How does its unique expression shine through?

Could you apply some of this wisdom in your life?

Examples could be:

- The flexibility of a weeping willow moving with the flow of the wind

- The safe holding of the twisted branches of a mighty oak

- One who lives in close community, interconnected and thriving

- Those whose leaves shimmer and shake allowing strong energy to pass through with ease

9. Inner noticings

Reflect on what you’ve discovered. Did you find any aspect of its being that resonated with yours? Has it elicited anything inside of you? What feelings came up? How do you feel now?

Do you feel a stronger sense of connection? To your new tree friend? To yourself?

10. Thank your new friend

Express your appreciation for allowing you to get to know it better. Perhaps you have a sense of meeting its true essence. Its authentic pure and natural unique expression. Got a sense of its comfort within its own skin.

Acknowledge you have now established a stronger more meaningful connection. That you can never go back to how it was before. You’re friends for life now.

Feel that commitment. That surety. That sense of belonging.

Final Note

Nature is a very powerful restorative. It is medicine in its own right. Not just in the form of food and herbs. It also provides a sense of awe, food for the soul, nourishment that fortifies and uplifts.

Giving time to honour our connections, to build and strengthen our relationship, deepens our connection to self, to our environment, our sense of value and belonging.

As you nourish your relationships, they nourish you.

As you get to know your non-human neighbours more intimately, the more they know you. Soon before you know it, walking about outdoors involves the reciprocal greetings of old friends!