My Love of Hugging Trees

Yes, you read that right. Hugging trees. What the heck does that mean Jessica, hugging trees? Like, actually, hugging trees? Why yes, it does, it means just that, hugging trees. Are you a tree hugging hippy? Why yes, I am, I am the weird lady you saw a few nights ago, hugging a tree. I go out and deliberately hug trees on my walks. My husband and dogs get exasperated when I stop and fling my arms around a big beauty and hug tight, hug it with everything I have and squeeze that tree. They also think I’m weird but they wait because they know how much I love doing it.

Trees have immense ability to hold all the stress, grief, sadness, frustrations, anger and all the other crap, without asking for anything in return. They literally say, give me everything you got, leave it all with me, I can handle it. So I do. People have recently asked me, how do you listen to people’s problems and issues all day long, with everything going on, how do you do it? Well one of my secrets is, I give it to the trees. 

Validation That Hugging Trees is Good For You

Last night, while listening to a self compassion talk featuring Jack Kornfield and Trudy Goodman, I was validated by something Trudy shared. When asked by another therapist how she responds to feeling overwhelmed or activated by a client interaction, she replied that she goes outside and hugs a tree. That nature can hold compassion. That the earth can give us so much assistance and support in those difficult times. Exactly. When words or other expression won’t do, hugging a tree feels nurturing, compassionate, caring, and capable. The trees can handle ALL the feelings. 

I googled hugging trees and I found out that hugging a tree can increase your oxytocin (the love and bonding hormone) and release dopamine and serotonin, hormones for feeling happiness. No wonder I love hugging trees and I feel better after doing so. (If you hadn’t already noticed, I LOVE trees!)

So You Really Hug Trees in Public?

It can be a little embarrassing when it is daylight and I am out in my neighborhood hugging trees. I try to do it when it is dark, or I am sure I am alone or I am out on a trail. However, when I have been caught, people mostly smile and encourage me to continue. Seeing someone hugging a tree could only make a person smile and feel good as well. 

“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.” – Alice Walker

During the pandemic, when we can’t hug each other, turning toward the trees is a wonderful resource. Trees are everywhere and they are all different sizes and shapes. There are a few favorites in my neighborhood. I like to walk up to a tree, take in its beauty and size, get as close as possible to it and wrap my arms around it as much as I can. Looking up toward its top, when I am that close, is a wonderful vantage point, and it makes me realize that from that view and perspective, everything will be alright. To get grounded, I imagine I have roots growing out of my feet and and connected to the tree and the earth. I can give the tree all my worries, fears, and stress and let it ALL go. 

So, the next time you are out for walk, notice the width of the trees and imagine wrapping your arms around them. Focus on your physical response, and if it feels inviting and private GO FOR IT!  Step on up and just hug that tree. Let your oxytocin and dopamine flow, look up and take in the immensity and power of the tree and give it everything you’ve got!