Go Hug a Tree
…or at least take some time to get to know one…
The global environmental and social challenges we face today are daunting, and they demand a response at a scale appropriate to the problem. Join us as we build a spiritual movement based in the principles of reverence for the living world, interdependence and loving-kindness: agaya and ubuntu.
We offer these meditations for well-being on Earth, at or near the times of the four main phases of the moon (about once a week, times vary). We celebrate the ever-changing moon as a reminder of the dynamic change that is essential to life, with an emphasis on global unity and loving-kindness to all beings.
This livestream focused on reconnecting with the forest for a more resilient body, mind, and spirit. We encourage wellness practices to strengthen our activism and spiritual growth.
Our beloved Earth has three green hearts — Amazonia, Congo and Sundaland — the worlds three major equatorial rainforest systems. These are places of unfathomable complexity and diversity, places of beauty and wonder. They are the living embodiment of agaya and ubuntu — joyous, raucous, mysterious, fierce and lovely. Join the event on Fri, Feb 12th, 9am PST.
It feels good to connect (ubuntu) to our natural roots. Trees are such beautiful creations! Why not express our appreciation for them (agaya) while basking in their generous cover?! So many legends and stories center or start with a nuturing tree… there is more truth to the tales than we imagine. Novasutras is a beautiful movement. Thank you!
I have found that these practices, similar to what the Japanese call “forest bathing” are especially helpful in times of stress and anxiety. Remembering our ubuntu / interdependent connections with trees and other beings can be a profoundly healing experience. The Atlantic had a good article about that practice https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/06/forest-bathing/532068/.
Here’s another take on befriending a tree – https://emergencemagazine.org/practice/befriending-a-tree/
You might also find it powerful to learn a bit more about the brave dedication of the original “tree huggers,” indigenous forest defenders in northern India, engaging in deeply #sacredactivism – https://www.patagonia.ca/stories/the-original-tree-huggers/story-71575.html