Have you hugged a tree recently? Maybe so, wrestling a fresh cut spruce through the front door for your Christmas decor. I’m grateful to have more trees indoors this time of year since it’s impossible to get close to the trees surrounding the church these days. They are fenced off as a protection against the construction activity about to begin on our accessibility ramp. I miss reaching out a hand to pat their trunks when walking by. Deeper in the recesses of memory I am running desperately to the tree in the playground declared safe in a childhood game. I also had a fort among the strong branches of a backyard tree which provided adventure, sanctuary and fresh views.
Did you know contact with trees can be beneficial to your mental health? Research participants had increased levels of oxytocin and serotonin hormones following time spent among trees which gave them a greater sense of calm and happiness. The Japanese have the practice of shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, immersing oneself amid trees to promote both physical and mental well-being.
I find it interesting Proverbs 3:18 describes wisdom as a tree of life to those who embrace it, repeating “those who cling to her are happy.” So hugging trees was a practice familiar to our ancestors! This season when you see Christmas trees, think about how we were made to be in close contact with them as a symbol of life and wisdom. And go ahead give that tree an appreciative touch, even a hug, and see how you feel, afterall its the “Biblical” thing to do 🙂