Dedicated followers of yoga know that there has always been a strong
connection between their philosophy and the world of trees. Many point
out that it was no coincidence that the Buddha became enlightened while
sitting under a bodhi tree. And, according to Kundalini Yoga
guru Satya Singh, ‘yoga that is practised under or near a
tree is made more powerful by the aura of that tree’.
In a new book, Singh and Fred Hageneder - co-founder of the Friends of
the Trees organisation - highlight the spiritual significance of twelve
species of tree alongside suggested meditations and exercises for
each. They firmly believe that ‘every species of
tree embodies particular qualities and energies, and has its own
voice’.
‘Practise yoga under an oak, for
example, and absorb the power and determination that it radiates, thus
becoming more reliable and steadfast yourself,’ they explain.
‘Or go under a beech tree to elevate your focus and clarity
of mind.’
They go on: ‘Our initial idea with tree yoga is to
first decide which exercises you want to do, and then go outside to
find a tree whose energies will support the intention behind the
exercises you have chosen. If possible, practise them under, or at
least nearby, the tree that you find.’
If that is not possible – particularly
in winter - the duo suggest you can do the exercises at home and
visualise the type of tree that you want to work with, adding:
‘Imagination can sometimes create the same effects as
reality.’
Take the elder tree, for instance. ‘Tree
Yoga’ explains: ‘Every species of tree affects the
landscape that it is part of, and the human soul too. The
tree’s power to do this, however, is not necessarily
determined by its physical size. The modest appearance of the elder is
a great example of this. Being small and generally multi-stemmed, it
looks more like a bush than a tree. Yet its legend is remarkable. It
appears in more myths, stories and folktales than some of the
‘‘great’’ tress that dominate
the landscape.’
It is believed that every part of the
elder tree can be used to heal the human being. Elderflowers break
fevers and are generally calming, the berries are loaded with vitamins
and strengthen the immune system. The book goes on: ‘Northern
European folklore associates this tree with the compassionate,
nourishing and healing side of the earth
spirits. ‘In German-speaking countries it was
common, until the beginning of the 20th century, to see people taking
their hats off to the elder tree as they walked past.’
With such history and background, it is
understandable then that the authors suggest the key words to attune
yourself to the spiritual world of the elder tree would be abundance,
spiritual nourishment, trust and gratitude.
Other trees:
Key words which attune us to the spiritual home of each tree:
Birch - new beginnings, protection, innocence and the joy of
living
Elm - communication, love, letting go and freedom
Pine - self-discipline, endurance, courage and grace
Rowan - inspiration, the voice of the heart and protection
Beech - concentration, preservation, alignment and discipline
Oak - life energy, strength and determination
Editor’s note:
A copy of ‘Tree Yoga’ by Satya Singh and
Fred Hageneder is available by contacting Findhorn Press, 305a The
Park, Findhorn, Forres IV36 3TE, Scotland (tel 01309 690582; fax 01309
690036;
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
; Findhornpress.com)
Satya Singh is the author of the Kundalini Yoga handbook for the health
of body, mind and soul – a book which has since become a
standard text for Kundalini Yoga. See also: Satya Singh
Fred Hageneder is an author, musician, graphic designer and lecturer.
He is a member of the Ancient Yew Group (Ancient-Yew.org) and
co-founder of Friends of the Trees (Friends Of The Trees) a
registered charity which aims to promote modern tree sanctuaries as
oases of peace.
