I've started hugging trees around my town for several reasons. Most importantly - I need hugs and COVID has created a scarcity of meaningful physical contact. But I'm also trying to connect (reconnect?) with whatever 'spiritual force' everyone makes a fuss about.
My first hug was a cedar tree I happened upon, on a walk in a local park. It had just snowed several inches, and the usually busy path was empty. So I thought I might as well give it a shot; I didn't need to worry about being seen.
I leaned in, put my arms around the splintery trunk, and clung with no abandon. I didn't think that would happen. It was weird: the organic and desperate need for physical connection hijacked the whole deal. I just wanted to try tree-hugging out, not delve into it.
But I did, I delved. I started hugging trees whenever, wherever I wanted. Trees on neighbors' lawns, public green spaces, at night, in the middle of the day. Granola frou frou behavior or healthy COVID-era mental health practice, I risk public humiliation.
And I'm going to keep at it.
Updates to follow...
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