For Macalester Students, Faculty, and Beyond

This Tree meditation is a guide to help us emotionally connect with the Land and care for Mother Earth. In connecting with the Land, we can be better allies to Indigenous Lands and Indigenous peoples. 

1. In order to begin this meditation, go to a Tree. They can be your favorite Tree or just a Tree nearby. If you are inside, try to imagine this Tree in your mind. 

2. Once you are with the Tree, begin to situate yourself. So, get in a comfortable position, it can be sitting or lying or however you like. Now, take a moment and pay attention to the sounds, sensations, and sights of the Tree and surrounding space. Acknowledge what you sense, and understand that you are not alone.

3. Next, you will center yourself. First, place your hand over your heart and take a moment to notice and feel the rhythm of your heartbeat. Once you’ve got it, inhale four for heartbeats and exhale for four heartbeats. Let any tension release as you breathe and continue this cycle a few more times. 

4. Now that you are centered, you will embody this Tree which is to feel that you are the Tree. You should first ask permission. So, ask the Tree, verbally or in your own way, to embody them and wait until you feel a response. Once you receive permission, you can begin embodying the Tree. It can help to imagine your body and limbs growing into the branches and the trunk of the Tree and your feet turning into roots which dig into the ground. 

5. As you embody the Tree, try to imagine the sensations the Tree is feeling. Perhaps the sensation of wind blowing through your leaves and branches, the scurrying of chipmunks up and down your trunk, or the warmth of sun on your Tree body. 

6. As you come to situate youself in this Tree and empathize with them, you can start to ask this Tree what they need. For example, what does this Tree need to be happy? to be healthy? to be at peace? Sit with these questions for a good moment and try to notice what thoughts occur in your mind. Treat these thoughts as the Tree’s thoughts. Perhaps the Tree is saying they need water or companion Trees or more space. Remember what the Tree is telling you. As you meditate, continue to notice the sensations and communicate with the Tree about whatever you like. 

7. When you are ready to return to yourself, thank the Tree for allowing you to embody them. Now, try to find your heartbeat again and begin the breathing exercise of inhaling and exhaling for four heartbeats. As you do so, imagine your body returning from the Tree’s to your own body. Start to notice the sensations of your own body. Allow yourself enough time to return comfortably to yourself.

8. When you have returned to yourself, it is okay to sit and reflect for a while on what you learned from the Tree. 

9. Now, it is your decision to act. If the Tree told you they needed something, what can you do to help the Tree out? How can you be a good ally to the Tree? Think about your responsibility to take care of Mother Earth. 

This meditation can be used with not just Trees, but with other beings such as Plants, Animals, Rocks, and Water. Hopefully you will continue to use this meditation and grow as an ally and environmental steward.