Have you ever hugged a tree?

Excerpt from the Camp Ray of Hope Sunday morning message September 20, 2009.

“Tree Huggers” has a whole different connotation than my message this morning. Or does it? Those who hug trees do so because they love the Earth. They have a strong conviction – perhaps even what we would term as fanatical – about saving trees. But nonetheless they are doing so for the love of Mother Earth and to retain her glory.

I was asked many years ago, after the deaths of my husband and son, if I had hugged a tree as part of my healing. At that time I had no idea what they were talking about. “Tell me more” I said with much hesitation – who the heck is this crackpot is what I was thinking if you really want to know! Have you wrapped your arms around a tree and let it ground you? Have you laid spread eagle on the Earth and let the four directions help you find balance and well-being with the world? Have you kissed Mother Earth and given thanks? “Nope – haven’t done any of those things yet” said I! What the heck is she talking about is what I was really thinking! But this crackpot –as I then considered her - gave me food for thought and I soon began opening my senses to the healing power of nature.

In no time I was appreciating more fully than ever the cleansing breezes on a hot stifling day; the smell of dirt and plants when I walked through the woods; green dewy grass between my toes on a beautiful summer morning; flowers that I once called weeds when they burst into bloom; mother birds gathering food for their young; Eagles soaring in the sky; and yes, a majestic tree hundreds of years old that feeds and gains it strength from Mother Earth – AND I learned that I could do also!

Even though my great-grandmother was a Penobscot Indian I had not fully appreciated those roots – that part of my history – though I had been taught by my parents to feel pride in that heritage. Since then I have gained respect and appreciation for what the Natives have taught us about Mother Earth and all of God’s creation. I noticed and wondered what was the message when three Eagles circled my home recently. I marvel in the miracles that surround me every day – those of birth, death and renewal of spirit. I thank the Great Sprit for all that has been given and I no longer judge or disbelieve the value of where others find their faith or gain their strength of spirit.

Chief Luther Standing Bear a Lokata Indian raised in the Sioux tradition said this:

There is a road in the hearts of all of us, hidden and seldom traveled,
which leads to an unknown, secret place. The old people came literally to love the soil, and they sat or reclined on the ground with a feeling of being close to a mothering power. Their teepees were built upon the earth and their altars were made of earth. The soul was soothing, strengthening, cleansing and healing. That is why the old Indian still sits upon the earth instead of propping himself up and away from its life giving forces. For him, to sit or lie upon the ground is to be able to think more deeply and to feel more keenly. He can see more clearly into the mysteries of life and come closer in kinship to other lives about him.

Have you wrapped your arms around a tree and let it ground you? Have you laid spread eagle on the Earth and let the four directions help you find balance and well-being with the world? Have you kissed the Earth and given thanks?