Trees offer tremendous wisdom. In coaching, I often talk about setting an intention to be like a tree for upcoming difficult meetings or conversations. Being like a tree is a surprisingly effective leadership and life strategy.
At the Connect in Nature Mindful Healers Retreat a few weeks ago, one of my intentions was to encourage others to be more tree. Specifically to :
Draw strength from others.
Ask for help when you need it.
Be authentic.
Attend to your core.
Don't be afraid to branch out.
Get plenty of rest.
Stand tall.
Be open to change.
These lessons come from an inspirational book called How To Be More Tree by Liz Marvin. Enjoy today’s mindful moment to hear many more lessons from this book.
At the Connect in Nature Mindful Healers Retreat we share many lessons from the trees we stand amidst.
Trees have roots and they use “their resources” creatively.
Their roots are embedded in soil which provides nutrients and microorganisms.
Why not “fertilize your own soil” with the essential nutrients for a healthy, happy, and aligned life?
Redwood trees drink fog and live and grow in community. Their roots are one foot deep and football fields wide creating an extensive network of support. We are stronger together.
Trees grow towards the sun and stand tall and proud. They don’t hide. The branches and leaves grow in the direction of sunlight reminding us to point in the direction of getting what we need and setting ourselves up for success.
Many trees live through extreme temperatures, lack of water, too much water, and fires. They have scars and other marks but the trees remain as they are through it all leaning into their support systems and utilizing the resources they do have.
Trees are calm and grounded. They are graceful and elegant despite irregularities, lumps, and bumps.
Trees sway in storms and rarely fall except in extreme storms. Their wood is strong and flexible.
There are all different kinds of trees but the inner anatomy of every tree is largely the same- roots, trunk, branches, leaves. Trees just like humans have more in common than different.
How might you “be more tree”?
Join us for the next Mindful Healers Connect in Nature Retreat in SPRING 2025.
We will enjoy a different season, and different, but still amazing, natural wonders from a different home base - Nicasio Creek Farm.
We will enjoy creeks, mountain tops, wildflowers, esteros, bays, and the wildlife of West Marin and Point Reyes National Seashore. We will explore food as nature and hands on experiences of mindful harvesting, preparing, and eating food.
Sign up for Jessie’s email list to be notified when registration is open.
Today's Mindful Moment is entitled Invitations from Trees. It includes some of my favorite excerpts from How to Be More Tree- Essential Life Lessons for Perennial Happiness, by Liz Marvin
“This beautifully illustrated book celebrates the wisdom of trees and what they can teach us about everyday life, from basking in the sun to weathering the storm. As you learn about dozens of trees, from the Acai palm to the Yoshino cherry, you'll find that their means of survival are not so different from ours.
The juniper tree proves that it's possible to flourish anywhere as long as we put down strong roots.
A mountain hemlock finds strength basking in the sun while a black walnut's sturdiness comes from its thick, steely core.
The hawthorn demonstrates resilience as it adapts to strong winds and storms by finding balance in its roots.
Trees have many more lessons to offer, from letting go of the past, to branching out, to resisting the urge to overstretch ourselves.
Trees have wisdom to offer parents, children, colleagues, leaders, physicians, spouses, and every person as an individual.
How to Be More Tree is an essential companion for all those moments when we're having trouble seeing the forest for the trees.”
- How to Be More Tree - Essential Life Lessons for Perennial Happiness, Liz Marvin
Move beyond consuming this amazing podcast. True change happens when you work with us.
Coach with Jessie - 1:1, in topic-focused small groups, or at a retreat. www.jessiemahoneymd.com
Work with both of us in person at The Mindful Healers Annual Retreat www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats
Hire one or both of us to speak or lead a workshop on any topic covered in the Mindful Healers Podcast. We also create team retreats, teach yoga, and offer experiential mindfulness for teams, groups, grand rounds, institutions, and conferences.
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*Nothing shared in the Mindful Healers Podcast is medical advice.
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