A hug that healed my soul
I recently went trekking in the forest to find some peace and clarity. The greenery there always grounds me, helping me to reflect on things more deeply. Now that I’m back, I feel a positive change within me, like my soul is lighter and happier. Nature truly has a way of working its magic.
When I close my eyes, I can still feel the calm of that time.As I walked through the forest, soaking in the fresh air and beauty around me, I saw an old man tying a boat to a tree. His face was wrinkled, like he’d spent a lifetime under the forest sun. His eyes held stories, full of wisdom.
Looking around, I noticed birds with colors I’d never seen before, singing happily. It made me realize how happy I was to be there, surrounded by nature, letting go of all my worries.Suddenly, I felt an overwhelming urge to hug a tree, like it had been listening to all my worries. I hugged it tightly, releasing all my burdens. As I wrapped my arms around its sturdy trunk, I felt a sense of relief and safety wash over me, as if the tree itself was comforting me, reassuring me that everything would be okay. It felt like a silent exchange of understanding and support.
When I opened my eyes, I found the old man smiling at me, as if he understood the connection I had just experienced with nature. “That’s a sal tree,” he said, “used in Hindu festivals for its pure leaves.” I smiled and looked closely at the leaves. These were the same leaves I’d seen countless times during festivals, the very leaves my mother used to craft beautiful plates from.
My gaze shifted to another tree next to it. Moss covered its branches, and a parasitic tree with many branches leaned heavily on it. ‘What’s wrong with this one?’ I asked the old man, pointing. “It looks sick.” ‘This tree is losing its fight,’ he said kindly. ‘Another tree is taking its food and water. It will eventually fall over.’ My heart felt heavy. I leaned on to embrace it too. I was so sorry for it. To my surprise, it seemed to lean into me, as if seeking comfort.I whispered reassurances, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. The old man chuckled at my tree-hugging, but his smile spoke volumes. It felt right, and he knew it.
As I walked away, I felt a newfound sense of grounding, understanding why seekers find solace in nature. Nature holds answers, you just have to ask. It’s a place to lose yourself and find yourself all over again.
When was the last time you hugged a tree?
