From Seed to Trees

Photo by: Mary Jane Kasliner

Olympic National Park

     Trees begin as a seed and pushes through soil driven by the will for growth and survival. This is the energy of springtime. It is represented by the Chinese element of wood representing vitality, concentration, initiative, quick movement, and irrepressible strength.

      This type of energy has a tendency to move at a frenetic pace, which can create vulnerability. In yogic philosophy, constant movement refers to rajas (which symbolizes passion and energy). Rajas resist the balanced nature of sattva (associated with purity and virtue), and in doing so it becomes difficult to tap into your higher self. This can create problems when it comes to finishing a job, as the finer details are left out.

     In feng shui philosophy, constant movement is associated with yang energy. An environment that is overly yang (minimal furnishings and hard surfaces), makes it difficult to rest and restore your energy reserves. This leads to burnout and eventual ill health. The key is to balance energy so you can mitigate it efficiently and effectively for harmony to ensue. Because tree energy has a tendency to be overly active, it is imperative to work with it effectively. Here are a few ways to achieve greater balance:

     

•  Move your body with any form of exercise that you are intuitively drawn to
•  Collaborate with others - join a group or workshop - rather than trying to work alone always
•  Take yoga
•  Institute a daily meditation practice
•  Chant mantras to channel energy through the vocal system
•  Practice patience
•  Incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet, and lower the amount of oils, fats, dairy, and flour products

Getting Inside Tree Energy:

     Trees have much to offer. Wouldn't it be great to climb inside a tree and hear its wisdom? Here are just a few words of wisdom I discovered during my meditations with trees:

•  In flexibility there is strength and resilience. If we maintain a flexible position in our attitude and viewpoint, then we will naturally see eye-to-eye with others.
•  Accept that change is a part of the natural order of all things. In doing so, your life will morph into a new vitality and zest for living.
•  Take a firm stance in what you believe in. By setting your roots deep success is eminent.
•  Being supportive of others. 
•  Embrace new beginnings by letting go of trying to control everything.

     For further readings about tree energy and other powerful manifestations of nature, read my third book: Mother Nature a Bridge to Conscious Living available on Barnes and Noble and Amazon books.

Om!

Mary Jane

Feng Shui Yoga Girl

www.fengshuiyoganj.com