I quote from an article “Tree hugging: How getting grounded helps you find direction” by Reiki Master Teacher and Intuitive Wellness Therapist - Jennifer Brinn of San Francisco, USA. She writes “In shamanism, there are spirits in everything. There are the ethereal spirit guides in the heavenly realm. There are the power animal guides in the 'lower world'. And then there are the 'middle world' spirits who embody all the earthly elements, the water, the wind, the flowers, the rocks and yes, even the trees. I feel if trees were animals, they would be like the elephants or the whales. Gentle giants, the knowing elders inhabiting this planet with so much ancient wisdom to share.

Trees are obviously very grounding. They help remind us to root in and connect with the deeply nourishing earth energy. Remember Buddha and his Bodhi Tree?

There is a century oak perched up on the rolling hills behind our home with a commanding view of Mt Tamalpais. Its branches reach this way and that while its trunk remains a solid channel for source.

The first time I came upon this oak, I felt such humility as if I were entering the presence of an insightful sage. They say when you introduce yourself to a tree you don't just go and fling your arms around it. You approach it gently, backing into it and letting it embrace you. I did this for the first time about 3 years ago and was overcome with tears for the love I felt washing over me...from a tree?! I've since dubbed this tree Ganesha because when I feel troubled or fragmented I can go to this tree for its embrace, wisdom and grounding.” In one of the management courses the faculty asked us to go out in the hotel garden and converse with it. While reading the referred article the thought came back. Jennifer writes that trees exude wisdom and help grounding. That clearly means that trees communicate with you if you care to listen. She is right when she says that trees have spirits and they communicate with you. Now I know why I cringe and feel pained and cry within at my helplessness when the trees around my home are pruned ruthlessly in the name of creating clearance for overhead wires or for some weird reason.

In Hinduism we worship many a tree and dare not cut them but then people from other religion are employed to cut these trees. How shameless can we get? We must learn to love all trees and shrubs. We must express our gratitude to all trees and shrubs for the shade, for the flowers and fruits, for the beauty they add and for the role they play in protecting our environment. All those golfers, whose wayward shots hit the trees, say sorry to the tree, believe me you will be hitting much straighter shots for the simple reason that you will become humble and less aggressive and this will help you swing better.

All those using flowers and garlands for puja or presenting bouquets must thank the unseen plants from whom these flowers have been plucked. You will find this self-effacing; will make you feel light and happy. Make it a rule to every day touch at least one tree and say thank you, make it a practice and see how grounded you feel.