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Cultivating our Tree Life Force
| Posted on June 10, 2008 at 4:10 AM |
Tree Energy Cultivation
Harnessing the Treasures of Trees
by Gary Abersold
Trees are a treasured source of energy for practicing energy cultivation. The solidity of a tree, its roots connecting it with the energy of the earth, is a quality that is emulated by the practitioner. One has only to look at the roots of a tree growing near rocks or a sidewalk to realize that a tree has the tremendous power necessary to buckle concrete and separate stones. As long as our arboreal friends are not injured, they seem able to live for an indefinite period of time. For the Chinese, trees live in close harmony with the natural laws of nature.
The Basics: Everything is energy, everything is energy at various levels of vibration; matter to light, body-thoughts-spirit. One way to think about energy is as if it's water in its many forms: an ice cube, water, steam, or humidity. In Ancient China every classical system had a version of tree energy cultuivation.
The basic principle of tree practice is that trees are the guardians of the earth. They take what are toxins from other life forms and feed on it, transforming it into useful products for the planet; they are the filters of the planet. Every form of life, or matter (energy) also has a type of energy field around it to some extent. Just as a sound doesn't really go to a certain distance and stop, energy and fields of energy are much the same way. Energy radiates out in all directions from each being, just getting fainter as it gets further away from it's central source. This means that beyond our perception these energy fields interact and blend to a certain extent influencing each other. If you practice certain cultivation practices over a period of time we can begin to feel this field energy emanating from us. This feeling of energy is first between our hands, as we begin to develop our energy and increase our own energy and awareness of it, our vitality increases and our qi shines brighter - stronger.
If we have an internal weakness or body balance problem, instead of building up a reservoir of energy as we practice; the energy is directed to heal the illness or weakness. If our minds are busy and can't calm down, much of the energy is used up by the thoughts and nervous energy expenditure (Stress depletes much energy). Practicing too much hard exercises also depletes our energy reservoir. The mind uses up much energy in it's functioning which is why basic meditation and learning to calm and focus the mind is very important. As our health improves and our mind learns to center we begin to build up our energy reservoir.
Once our energy begins to build, along with our awareness, we not only become aware of our own energy but also that around us. A good example of this is being in a room when a depressed or angry person enters; the room vibes change. Keep in mind all energy isn't all the same so some types of energy may: flow, mix, merge, change, irritate or bump into each other. We're talking about a limitless levels of vibrations.
The basic assumption of tree practice is that trees also feed on and filter pure energy - all vibrations. Through our practice we can open up and permit a greater exchange of energy with plants for healing, insight or knowledge. Even without specific tree cultivations or being aware of it, anytime we're around a forest, or wooded area we are benefiting from a boost of our own energy by being so close and exposed to the trees.
As with all energy practices, tension - muscular or mental inhibit the flow or exchange of energy. If we walk relaxed through a wooded area we are basically doing a minor type of tree practice. Anytime we practice around a tree or healthy plants we have an exchange of energy with the surroundings and we benefit on very subtle levels.
The most basic tree practice is practicing Standing Cultivations with a tree. When you stand begin until you can feel the energy (qi) flow between your palms, then use your palms and try to feel the energy flow, aura, of the tree. When you feel the current of the tree, this is the place to stop and use 'listening' energy. This is your practice. When you can feel the tree's energy flow, this creates a strong circuit, your energy gets hooked into the flow of the tree's energy stream. If you can't feel the energy between your palms just practice your standing practice keeping your palms about 6" away from the tree. Another method is sitting in a meditation posture slightly away from the trunk, focus on the color of the bark as a column of energy, then see your energy the same color and merging with the tree. Open up all cells and pores, blending with the tree's energy.
Though there are specific visualizations and certain exercises to do with some styles, this basic method of focusing on feeling the energy connection we believe is the best. We permit the energy to flow as it should, and the changes and cleansing happens naturally, without forcing or interfering in any way. Just open up to what you feel or completely empty your mind.
Though in some styles of tree practices there are specific instructions of what to do with each tree and what each tree is good for.
As you practice and increase your awareness; what you'll find is that each tree, not merely species, has it's own personality. The range spans all feelings: happy, sad, healing, angry, neutral, energetic, calming, aggressive, strong, soft . . . Also the time of year changes the feeling of the tree's energy current. Don't stand by a tree you feel a negative response from. This energy-link is a healing-link, a purification of our system. The calmer and emptier our minds are the greater the exchange, there is less resistance to the exchange of qi flow.
Try this 'listening-energy' with all types of plants, house plants as well. Spider plants, sanseverias, and African violets are considered good energy plants but see what you feel. If you're ill you may not want to over burden a small-newly planted tree or non-vigorous house plant.
Is there a certain spot in a park where you like to sit, read a book or just rest? In your yard? Check out the plants around you.
The size of the tree makes a difference, the location of the tree will make a difference. If you don't feel comfortable practicing your tree practice in public you may just sit by a tree with a book, pretend to be reading the book, hands in a basic position on your lap. In some schools and arts you hear specific instructions to stand with your back to the north or south, only stand by such and such a tree as you practice to absorb the proper energy of the area.. Some Classical teachers would say walk around, feel the area - you'll find the right spot and right direction. If it feels right then the energy currents must be in harmony.
The following is a list of some trees that certain systems agree have these characteristics. Don't take them as gospel truth however, everyone is different. But, if you can't feel the energy of trees yet, these are a good place to start with. The colors are from the Five Element theory of Chinese Medical Philosophy.
The color being that of the bark. Which of the five element colors does it come closest to? It's thought that each tree/color benefits the organ associated with it. You visualize the tress's energy and your energy the same color and merging. Sometimes the colors are merely used in healing meditations for specific organs. As you practice and your awareness increases, trust your feelings and disregard the lists.
Some tree methods visualize drawing the earth or tree's qi in through the feet, filling the body, merging with the tree and extending up to the crown of the tree. Another method, usually by a weeping tree, drawing the tree's qi in through the crown of the head, filling the body, then sinking the energy into the ground.
Guided Practice on Tree Cultivation
1. You can practice with a tree in your backyard or any natural area.
The energies of trees are most available at dawn or dusk, but they can
practice with you at any time. In general, select a comfortable standing
meditation posture as close to the trunk of the tree as possible.
2. If you are in a wooded area, walk slowly and visually scan the area
without focusing on any single object. Wait for one tree to select you
by suddenly becoming the attractive focus of your attention in a way that
differs from all the surrounding trees. You will know when you have
found your tree because you will feel more inclined to practice with this
tree than with any other you have seen.
3. Once you approach your tree, notice from which direction the sunlight
is falling on its trunk. If you feel tense and have recently been under
a lot of stress, you may want to stand in the tree's shadow, which
heightens the convergence of yin energy. If you feel weak or have
recently been ill, you should stand in the sunlight. In any case, you
should always try to stand on the most level area at the base of the trunk.
4. Whether you stand facing the tree trunk or away from it depends on
the size of the tree and your personal preference. If it is a small
tree, you may be able to partially encircle the trunk with your arms
without actually touching it. A larger tree may ask you to stand with
your back as close to it as possible with or without making physical contact.
5. Relax by feeling yourself breathing with the tree. Feel every part
of your body gently expand and contract as you inhale and exhale
naturally, smoothly, and softly. Experience the feeling that there is no
difference between you and the tree. Maintain this feeling as long as
you can.
6. If you get tired but wish to continue your practice, sit down with
your back against the tree and close your eyes. Imagine that the
pressure of the trunk against your back is your own spine and that
tremendous energy is being transmitted into your body. Continue as long
as you are comfortable. The same exercise may be done lying down with
your head against the base of the tree, using leaves for padding if the
bark is too rough for the scalp and neck.
7. When you have completely returned to your own body, place both hands
against the trunk of the tree and slowly inhale and exhale 21 times, or a
bit longer. Mentally transmit your own energy to the tree through your
palms while exhaling, and take in energy while inhaling. You will know
that you are doing this correctly when you feel a slight pulsating
sensation directly in the center of your palms.
You may later return to this particular tree or choose another. Feel
free to improvise and experiment, because you may find a particular way
of practicing with trees that allows you to integrate more completely
with them. Let your own body and the tree be your guide, for there is no
set routine to follow. You are attempting to draw energy by integrating
yourself with nature; therefore, do what seems most natural to you.
Harnessing the Treasures of Trees
by Gary Abersold
Trees are a treasured source of energy for practicing energy cultivation. The solidity of a tree, its roots connecting it with the energy of the earth, is a quality that is emulated by the practitioner. One has only to look at the roots of a tree growing near rocks or a sidewalk to realize that a tree has the tremendous power necessary to buckle concrete and separate stones. As long as our arboreal friends are not injured, they seem able to live for an indefinite period of time. For the Chinese, trees live in close harmony with the natural laws of nature.
The Basics: Everything is energy, everything is energy at various levels of vibration; matter to light, body-thoughts-spirit. One way to think about energy is as if it's water in its many forms: an ice cube, water, steam, or humidity. In Ancient China every classical system had a version of tree energy cultuivation.
The basic principle of tree practice is that trees are the guardians of the earth. They take what are toxins from other life forms and feed on it, transforming it into useful products for the planet; they are the filters of the planet. Every form of life, or matter (energy) also has a type of energy field around it to some extent. Just as a sound doesn't really go to a certain distance and stop, energy and fields of energy are much the same way. Energy radiates out in all directions from each being, just getting fainter as it gets further away from it's central source. This means that beyond our perception these energy fields interact and blend to a certain extent influencing each other. If you practice certain cultivation practices over a period of time we can begin to feel this field energy emanating from us. This feeling of energy is first between our hands, as we begin to develop our energy and increase our own energy and awareness of it, our vitality increases and our qi shines brighter - stronger.
If we have an internal weakness or body balance problem, instead of building up a reservoir of energy as we practice; the energy is directed to heal the illness or weakness. If our minds are busy and can't calm down, much of the energy is used up by the thoughts and nervous energy expenditure (Stress depletes much energy). Practicing too much hard exercises also depletes our energy reservoir. The mind uses up much energy in it's functioning which is why basic meditation and learning to calm and focus the mind is very important. As our health improves and our mind learns to center we begin to build up our energy reservoir.
Once our energy begins to build, along with our awareness, we not only become aware of our own energy but also that around us. A good example of this is being in a room when a depressed or angry person enters; the room vibes change. Keep in mind all energy isn't all the same so some types of energy may: flow, mix, merge, change, irritate or bump into each other. We're talking about a limitless levels of vibrations.
The basic assumption of tree practice is that trees also feed on and filter pure energy - all vibrations. Through our practice we can open up and permit a greater exchange of energy with plants for healing, insight or knowledge. Even without specific tree cultivations or being aware of it, anytime we're around a forest, or wooded area we are benefiting from a boost of our own energy by being so close and exposed to the trees.
As with all energy practices, tension - muscular or mental inhibit the flow or exchange of energy. If we walk relaxed through a wooded area we are basically doing a minor type of tree practice. Anytime we practice around a tree or healthy plants we have an exchange of energy with the surroundings and we benefit on very subtle levels.
The most basic tree practice is practicing Standing Cultivations with a tree. When you stand begin until you can feel the energy (qi) flow between your palms, then use your palms and try to feel the energy flow, aura, of the tree. When you feel the current of the tree, this is the place to stop and use 'listening' energy. This is your practice. When you can feel the tree's energy flow, this creates a strong circuit, your energy gets hooked into the flow of the tree's energy stream. If you can't feel the energy between your palms just practice your standing practice keeping your palms about 6" away from the tree. Another method is sitting in a meditation posture slightly away from the trunk, focus on the color of the bark as a column of energy, then see your energy the same color and merging with the tree. Open up all cells and pores, blending with the tree's energy.
Though there are specific visualizations and certain exercises to do with some styles, this basic method of focusing on feeling the energy connection we believe is the best. We permit the energy to flow as it should, and the changes and cleansing happens naturally, without forcing or interfering in any way. Just open up to what you feel or completely empty your mind.
Though in some styles of tree practices there are specific instructions of what to do with each tree and what each tree is good for.
As you practice and increase your awareness; what you'll find is that each tree, not merely species, has it's own personality. The range spans all feelings: happy, sad, healing, angry, neutral, energetic, calming, aggressive, strong, soft . . . Also the time of year changes the feeling of the tree's energy current. Don't stand by a tree you feel a negative response from. This energy-link is a healing-link, a purification of our system. The calmer and emptier our minds are the greater the exchange, there is less resistance to the exchange of qi flow.
Try this 'listening-energy' with all types of plants, house plants as well. Spider plants, sanseverias, and African violets are considered good energy plants but see what you feel. If you're ill you may not want to over burden a small-newly planted tree or non-vigorous house plant.
Is there a certain spot in a park where you like to sit, read a book or just rest? In your yard? Check out the plants around you.
The size of the tree makes a difference, the location of the tree will make a difference. If you don't feel comfortable practicing your tree practice in public you may just sit by a tree with a book, pretend to be reading the book, hands in a basic position on your lap. In some schools and arts you hear specific instructions to stand with your back to the north or south, only stand by such and such a tree as you practice to absorb the proper energy of the area.. Some Classical teachers would say walk around, feel the area - you'll find the right spot and right direction. If it feels right then the energy currents must be in harmony.
The following is a list of some trees that certain systems agree have these characteristics. Don't take them as gospel truth however, everyone is different. But, if you can't feel the energy of trees yet, these are a good place to start with. The colors are from the Five Element theory of Chinese Medical Philosophy.
The color being that of the bark. Which of the five element colors does it come closest to? It's thought that each tree/color benefits the organ associated with it. You visualize the tress's energy and your energy the same color and merging. Sometimes the colors are merely used in healing meditations for specific organs. As you practice and your awareness increases, trust your feelings and disregard the lists.
Some tree methods visualize drawing the earth or tree's qi in through the feet, filling the body, merging with the tree and extending up to the crown of the tree. Another method, usually by a weeping tree, drawing the tree's qi in through the crown of the head, filling the body, then sinking the energy into the ground.
Tree |
Color |
Organ |
Element |
Apple |
Red |
Heart/sm int. |
Fire |
Poplar |
White |
Lungs/lg int. |
Metal |
Cypress |
black |
kidney/bladder |
Water |
Pine |
green |
liver/gll bl |
wood |
Willow |
Yellow |
spleen/stomach |
earth |
Guided Practice on Tree Cultivation
1. You can practice with a tree in your backyard or any natural area.
The energies of trees are most available at dawn or dusk, but they can
practice with you at any time. In general, select a comfortable standing
meditation posture as close to the trunk of the tree as possible.
2. If you are in a wooded area, walk slowly and visually scan the area
without focusing on any single object. Wait for one tree to select you
by suddenly becoming the attractive focus of your attention in a way that
differs from all the surrounding trees. You will know when you have
found your tree because you will feel more inclined to practice with this
tree than with any other you have seen.
3. Once you approach your tree, notice from which direction the sunlight
is falling on its trunk. If you feel tense and have recently been under
a lot of stress, you may want to stand in the tree's shadow, which
heightens the convergence of yin energy. If you feel weak or have
recently been ill, you should stand in the sunlight. In any case, you
should always try to stand on the most level area at the base of the trunk.
4. Whether you stand facing the tree trunk or away from it depends on
the size of the tree and your personal preference. If it is a small
tree, you may be able to partially encircle the trunk with your arms
without actually touching it. A larger tree may ask you to stand with
your back as close to it as possible with or without making physical contact.
5. Relax by feeling yourself breathing with the tree. Feel every part
of your body gently expand and contract as you inhale and exhale
naturally, smoothly, and softly. Experience the feeling that there is no
difference between you and the tree. Maintain this feeling as long as
you can.
6. If you get tired but wish to continue your practice, sit down with
your back against the tree and close your eyes. Imagine that the
pressure of the trunk against your back is your own spine and that
tremendous energy is being transmitted into your body. Continue as long
as you are comfortable. The same exercise may be done lying down with
your head against the base of the tree, using leaves for padding if the
bark is too rough for the scalp and neck.
7. When you have completely returned to your own body, place both hands
against the trunk of the tree and slowly inhale and exhale 21 times, or a
bit longer. Mentally transmit your own energy to the tree through your
palms while exhaling, and take in energy while inhaling. You will know
that you are doing this correctly when you feel a slight pulsating
sensation directly in the center of your palms.
You may later return to this particular tree or choose another. Feel
free to improvise and experiment, because you may find a particular way
of practicing with trees that allows you to integrate more completely
with them. Let your own body and the tree be your guide, for there is no
set routine to follow. You are attempting to draw energy by integrating
yourself with nature; therefore, do what seems most natural to you.
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