Tree Hugging
Thay frequently spoke about being one with the universe, teaching that we inter-are with people, animals, plants, minerals. In his book, Happiness, he reminds us that when we touch something in nature, we receive something beautiful and refreshing in return.
"In my home in Plum Village, I planted three cedar trees. I planted them about thirty years ago, and now they are very big and beautiful, and very refreshing. While I am doing walking meditation, I usually stop in front of one of the trees. I bow to it. It makes me feel happy. I touch the bark with my cheek. I smell the tree. I look up at the beautiful leaves. I feel the strength and freshness of the tree. I breathe in and out deeply. It's very pleasant, and sometimes I stay for a long time, just enjoying the lovely tree.
When we touch a tree, we receive something beautiful and refreshing back. Trees are wonderful! They are also solid, even in a storm. We can learn a lot from trees.
Practice
Have a child find a tree that is especially beautiful to her—perhaps it's an apple tree, an oak tree, or a pine tree. If she stops and touches a tree deeply, she will feel its wonderful qualities. Breathing deeply will help her touch the tree deeply. Have her breathe in, touch the tree, then breathe out. Do this three times. Touching the tree in this way will make her feel refreshed and happy.
Then, if she likes, she can hug the tree. Tree hugging is a wonderful practice. When she hugs a tree, a tree never refuses. She can rely on a tree. It is dependable. Every time she wants to see it, every time she needs its shade, it is there for her."
