There are many reasons someone would want to befriend a tree.

For some, it is a symbol of grounding as they observe its roots going deep down to the earth. Others feel the need to create a bond that will cultivate a sense of harmony with the help of the trees’ soothing aura.

In my case, my relationship with trees became more apparent when I was involved in more earth-based spiritual practices.

There are many reasons someone would want to befriend a tree.

You see, I am an animist at core (so I believe there’s a spirit in everything, even in objects which are usually seen as lifeless) and I see a spirit in every tree, and I love their company.

In this article, I’m going to direct you in connecting with trees, hoping you might experience some of the above, thus enriching your life.

So, if you’re ready, let’s begin.

The Spirit of Connection: Why Trees Await Our Friendship

As I mentioned above, there are many reasons someone would like to cultivate a sort of connection with a tree. An important reason is to learn how to slow down and attune to the sacred energies of nature.

In my eyes, trees represent the idea of the union between heaven, as their branches reach it (branches that correspond to our spiritual self), with the earth through their roots that go deep into the ground, representing our physical being. Through this union we learn the importance of balancing mind and body, spirit and matter.

Another thing that trees represent is that their form (with their roots reaching into the earth and the branches to the sky and their tall trunks) is analogues to the human figure, implying a kinship between humans and trees.

As I mentioned above, there are many reasons someone would like to cultivate a sort of connection with a tree.

By cultivating connections with them we aspire to become like them, through the qualities of presence, patience (since it takes years for a tree to become what it is from a seed to the form it finally reaches), and stillness, qualities that we are that we are deprived of, in today’s fast-paced society.

Trees also, for me, house wise spirits, having deep wisdom, the wisdom of nature, and a friendship with them can make you an apprentice to this wisdom (if your intuition is open enough, something that I have discussed in other articles).

And one last thing, trees represent the idea of interconnectedness, which can be seen by observing how their roots (when trees grow together) intertwine, evoking the spirit of oneness within us.

How to Befriend a Tree and Feel Its Living Presence

If you feel intrigued by the idea of befriending a tree, I would like to say that before doing so you need to know that this is a process that takes time. So, be aware that you are learning the language of a being that operates at a slower pace than humans do, which again invokes the ideas of cultivating patience, awareness, and empathy.

1. Learn to Visit and Listen

Having laid the groundwork of befriending a tree, let’s move on to the first step you need to take to do so.

For a novice who is looking for a tree friend, it is best not to start with one tree because you might be disappointed if there’s no resonance between you and the tree since you are dealing with the living being whose energy might not be compatible with yours.

That said, it is best to visit a place where there are lots of trees so that you can get a feel of what it means to be called by a tree.

To learn to listen to this call, before you walk amongst those trees turn inwards and do and check in by observing your emotions, what thoughts are passing through your mind and how does your body feel and by acquiring this information set them to be the baseline for the next step.

After checking in state silently your intention, which might take the form of a simple sentence like, “I’m open to the call of a tree that wants to connect with me.”

That said, it is best to visit a place where there are lots of trees so that you can get a feel of what it means to be called by a tree.

And now you’re ready to take this walk. As you walk among the trees, be mindful of your emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations, and take note of those shifts, since in this way you learn your way to intuitively connect with the energies of the trees.

You might have to do this several times before you get the hang of it. Which means that you might need to visit this place more than once.

2. Communicate Through Presence and Reciprocity

Now if you have managed to “hear” the call of a tree, approach it gently, and when you reach it, place your hand on its trunk intending to acknowledge it, and to the fact that you’re open to listening to it.

Do not expect this communication (even though it might happen if you have developed your psychic abilities that can assist you in communicating with the plant kingdom and its spirits) to take the form of words but rather the form that of a change in the energy around you and within you, in your emotional state, and also your physical state.

You can sit near the roots of the tree with your back against the trunk of the tree, or you can stay standing and just be open to the aura of the tree.

When you are ready to leave, gently place your hand again on the trunk of the tree, acknowledging it and being grateful for this sacred moment of sharing your energy with its energy.

3. Integrate the Friendship Into Your Daily Life

Now, once you have established any form of connection with a tree, and you felt the benefits of having a tree friend, do not just save these experiences for when you’re in the presence of the tree but try to incorporate the wisdom that the tree imparted to you in your everyday life.

Also, the more time you spend with your tree friend, the more the benefits and qualities that you share with it will stay with you when you are not around it.

Conclusion

Befriending a tree is a process, an attainment, where you learn the lessons of slowing down, tuning into your energy and to the energy of another being, and also connecting with nature in ways that are less cerebral and more energy based.

Also, see this friendship as an invitation to expand your connection to nature beyond the trees to other forms of life whenever you do so.

Till next time, take care.