A breath token is a breathing exploration that I develop for friends & clients and send out as a gift.
Hugging a tree
Hugging a tree is a manifold pleasure. As far as breathing is concerned, coming in close physical contact with a tree – as with another body – gives us a direct feedback to our own body and our breathing.
As always we begin with becoming aware of the encounter with another body, whether it is the earth beneath our feet or, in this case, a tree against the front of our torso, maybe parts of the legs, arms and hands. What does the structure, the texture feel like? How does it make me stand, think or feel?
We can sense ourselves in relation to the tree, the softness of our belly against the solidity of the trunk or the roughness of the bark against our skin, for example.
We can also sense the breath movement inside us and how the tree provides a resistance against it. This kind of resistance can make us sense our own body and the breath movement more clearly. It can be freeing or constricting. How does the breath respond? What are the other effects of hugging the tree and how do they manifest in our breathing?
The more I practice this, the more I’m amazed how powerful an encounter with a tree is and how each encounter is different.
When we’ve explored enough, let’s thank the tree for being there for us.
Benefits I experienced:
soothing, comforting
deepening of the breath
sensing of my body walls, especially in the torso
sensing the breath movement clearly
connection to my environment
There are surely other benefits for you to discover. If you have any questions or feedback please contact me.