February has been a month of loss and healing for me.

A friend died of Alzheimer’s earlier this month and a client overdosed the same week. And a dear friend’s mom was just moved to hospice.

I’ve been feeling grief, overwhelm, love, and loss as I support friends, family, and clients—and myself.

I’ve also been experiencing feelings of deep love for all my people and my kids as they navigate new developmental milestones (my youngest deciding on university soon, yikes!)

Love is so expansive. And grief is another way we open ourselves to love.

One thing that has helped me manage all the emotion has been spending time with trees.

I’m talking about the simple practice of noticing trees and feeling their wisdom as I walk in my neighbourhood on an evening stroll with our pup. Or the peace that comes from gazing at the branches of an oak tree against the moonlight.

I’ve been obsessed with the Surrounded by Trees meditation by Anthony William for many years. I use it myself and share it with yoga students. I also teach it to every patient at the addiction center where I work.

The man who overdosed this month got to receive this meditation while he was in treatment and this gives me some small comfort.

People change when we go outside and stand with the trees.

We tune in to the sounds of nature and feel our connection to the earth. We talk about the way trees stand together like a family. We notice the shimmering, sticky sap, and bright, fresh growth underfoot as we inhale the scent of pine needles. We notice how the leaves reach for the light, and how dead branches fall away to make room for new beginnings. All of it is so meaningful and applicable to our own journeys.

I’m overjoyed to share this practice with you. For this 7 min meditation, either stand outside near a tree or look at a tree out your window. Their grounding wisdom will move through you.

One thing that I trust more than anything is the healing power of trees.

I trust you too.

Keep standing tall,
Carolyn