When I learned that today is National Love a Tree Day, my mind immediately went to an old oil company TV commercial. It showed someone who claimed to be an employee of the company literally hugging a tree. As I remember it, he also stated, “They say I’m a hippie”, and he sort of looked the part, being slightly scruffy and counter-culturish. The ad was always good for a few laughs.
The term tree-hugger is typically used as an insult for environmentalists. But some environmental activists have embraced the term and proudly call themselves that.
And as it turns out, actually hugging a tree is now purported to be good for one’s physical and mental health. Apparently, it’s not just for oil company hippies and hardcore environmentalists anymore.
Maybe I’ll give it a try and see how it goes…or not. I'd feel pretty ridiculous hugging a tree regardless of its alleged benefits.
I love them every day - I don't hug , but I often put an affectionate hand on them as I pass in the woods - this is my favorite maple, probably 400 years old
I’m sure the trees love to be hugged. There is intelligence in many life forms on this planet, maybe not like our kind of intelligence, but their own kind. Trees are so beautiful, provide shade from the sun, give homes to birds, and give us oxygen to breathe. I bet they are kind too, and love hugs. 😊
@Carissimi I don't doubt that what you're saying is true, that trees get something out of being hugged. We certainly have benefited from their existence, as have other creatures.
I do not hug trees, but sometimes I pet their leaves and say hello.
There is this lovely white pine near my apartment that I often pass on my way to and from my car in the parking lot. It has branches near the ground that I can touch as I pass on the sidewalk. The needles are so soft. I love white pines.
---- Once I was walking on a hill in Maine. I thought it would be a short hike so took no water. That was a mistake. On the way down I got thirsty. Now, there was a fast-flowing stream nearby, but I still feared to drink from it. Yet then I spotted dewdrops on the pine trees that I passed. They were the hard-needled kind, unlike the soft white pines.
So I started rubbing the dewdrops onto my fingers and drinking the water off my fingers.
Thank you trees!
Eventually I took a break and sat down. Then a couple passed me going uphill. They asked if I was OK and I said I was thirsty, and that stream looked so good, but I feared amoebas. Then one of them gave me a water bottle. So nice of him!
When I got back to my car I was good, since I had a gallon of water and food in the back seat.
I am one of those crazy people who is intrinsically connected to nature: I hug them. I sometimes lean against one, for solace and comfort, and sometimes I will be crying.
And I have on very rare and precious occasions, been granted communion with a tree. ^^^ This is obviously not about my mind or even my heart. It goes beyond any logic. Logic can't begin to touch this.
Yes, I’ve hugged a tree, just not today…but I’m going to right now…🥰 …I do it occasionally. It’s right in front of my home and idc what my neighbors think.
