William Lorence Bragg, Nobel prize winner and the great Australian Scientist, was a lover of nature and trees from the very childhood. When he was a young boy, he enjoyed gardening and spent a lot of time in his garden. He had a collection of a good variety of trees and plants in his garden. He considered these blooming plants and trees as his true friends and took interest in touching and talking to them.
He continued his love of trees and plants even after becoming a great scientist. It was in 1915, he got the noble prize for Physics. British Government honored him by appointing him as the head of a famous science research institute in London. He decided to accept this honourable and prestigious appointment, but he was really unhappy to leave his true friends; the trees and plants in his garden.
When he took up the new job, he was allocated a luxurious flat for his stay. He enjoyed the new work, but he was really missing his trees, plants and flowers in his garden. He had a nostalgic feeling that he was separated from his loving friends. Here in London, he missed the opportunity for engaging in his favorite hobby, to spend time with the trees, plants, flowers and butterflies and feel the joy of life. He felt worried and depressed. He realized that he could not live happily, isolating himself from nature and hence he really longed to become a gardener.
William seriously thought about a way out from his ‘nature deficit syndrome’. Finally, he had an idea. One evening, after his office work he walked through the streets of London city. He saw many houses with beautiful gardens around. He found a shop where old garden tools were sold. He went to the shop and purchased a gardener’s old coat and some garden tools. He dressed himself as a gardener and visited some houses in search of a gardener’s job. Finally an old lady allowed him to work in her garden, which was in a neglected condition. He worked enthusiastically in the evenings to revive the garden. Impressed by his work, the lady appointed him as a part time gardener. Thus he began to come to that house and work in the garden in his leisure time. He really was thrilled and enjoyed this work.
One day evening a relative of the lady of the house happened to notice the new gardener. He could not believe his eyes when he saw the famous scientist. He asked the lady in surprise; “What is this gentleman doing in your garden?”
“This is my new gardener. He is doing his work very efficiently and earnestly”; she replied.
He was really stunned and asked her; ‘Do you know he is the great scientist and the Noble Prize winner , William Lorance Bragg?”
The lady was shocked and felt guilty of treating him as a gardener.
Trees : A Blessing to Humanity
William Lorance Bragg was well aware of the fact that trees and plants can heal the human mind and soul. American Poet Joyce Kilmer’s Poem named Trees begins as:
‘I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree’
He ends the poem with these lines:
‘Poems are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree’.
Trees are a real blessing to humanity. Trees give oxygen we breath and absorb carbon dioxide we breath out, through the process of photosynthesis. Trees provide us water to drink, food to eat. Trees protect us from sun and heat. Trees play a major role in preventing environmental pollution, climate changes and global warning. Trees conserve water, preserve soil and support wildlife. Trees help us in so many other ways also.. Plants and trees are a great source of medicines. The falling leaves and braches become nourishment to the soil and other plants. Trees bless us with nutritious fruits and beautiful mind luring flowers. As the American writer and architect, Frank Lloyd Wright once said; ‘The best friend on earth, of a man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically we have one of the greatest resources on earth’.
Magical healing powers of trees
The power of trees to heal human mind and body has been scientifically proven by several researchers. In 1970, a study conducted by Pennsylvania Hospital researchers found that patients whose room had a view of trees, recovered more quickly than those who did not have such beautiful view of trees from their rooms.
Mathew Silverstone, the author of the famous book ‘Blinded by Science’, proved scientifically that trees help to heal many mental illnesses such as depression, stress, lack of concentration, headaches etc. The author quotes a number of studies that showed significant improvements in physiological and psychological health and well being in people who interacted and befriended with plants and trees. One research found that children function better cognitively and emotionally in green environments. They show more creativity when they play in green areas full of flora and fauna. Silverstone concludes that access to nature can significantly contribute to our mental capital, and well being and rejuvenate our souls. According to his findings, it is the vibrational properties of trees and plants that give us these immense health benefits.
Richard Cytowic, the famous American author and neurologist, reported that walking in the forests or mere viewing of the trees for about 15 minutes, reduced the level of stress hormone, cortisol in saliva samples. Experiments with indoor walkers did not show similar results.
We know that Japan is well known for its love of trees. Experiments in 24 forests across Japan showed that spending time in forest setting will lower one’s high blood pressure, reduce anxiety and boost immunity.
Shiri- yoku (Forest Bathing)
Yoshifuni Miyazaki, professor at the National University in Chiba, Japan and the author of the famous book ‘Shirin-Yoku: The Japanes Way of Forest Bathing for Health and Relaxation’ revealed; ‘We discovered that when you go for a walk in the forest your cortisol levels are reduced, which means you are less stressed’. He claims that these health benefits can last for several days and hence a weekly forest bath or tree healing can provide sustained well being.
Since modern man is alienated from nature, Mayasaki recommends two hours of ‘forest bath’ which will help him to unplug from technology , and get relaxed. When you open your senses to nature, you allow energy to enter through your ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands and feet and to energize your body and heal your mind.
Science behind tree healing
It is found that trees naturally emit defense chemicals called phytocides for protecting themselves from harmful insects and gems. These protective chemicals are inhaled by those spending time around the trees and hence their immunity will be enhanced. It is found by New York Department of Environmental Conservation that human bodies respond to the phytocides by increasing the number and activity of certain white blood cells called killer cells, (NK).
Energy Vibrations of trees
It has been proved that plants and trees emit energy vibrations, the same way as all living organisms. Energy vibrations of trees are very soothing and calming to the human mind and soul. The vibrations emitted from trees and plants are slower and deeper and more concentrated compared to those of other living organisms. When you come near to or in physical contact with a tree, you will receive its energy vibrations and you will begin to resonate with these and consequently feel the comfort and peace. Trees can absorb the negative energy from your body and convert it into positive energy. The vibrational properties of trees can remove the blockages in you psychic energy systems, resulting in the cleaning and healing of your body, mind and soul.
Since trees can very well sense your energy vibrations, you can communicate with them through your thoughts or words. So trees can be your great companion and consoler when you are upset or depressed. Trees can be a patient listener and can respond to your emotions and feelings through energy vibrations which can make you relaxed and peaceful. As the complementary therapist Anni Day pointed out from her own experience; ‘The energy of trees can help any mind, body or spirit problems. It’s also a deeply relaxing experiences’.
Benefits of toughing and hugging trees.
Studies have shown that hugging a tree increases the levels of hormone oxytocin which is responsible for feeling calm and emotional bondage. Two other hormones, serotonin and depamine, are also produced during tree hugging and hence you feel happier. The energy vibrations of trees will be transmitted to the hugger directly and easily. According to Dr. Amit Ray, a famous Indian author and spiritual master; ‘Tree hugging is the easiest yoga art to connect you with nature’. Japanes consider tree hugging as a powerful therapy for healing your body, mind and soul.
When you are touching a tree, its energy vibrations will affect various biological behaviors within your body quickly. Mathew Silverstone, with the support of scientific studies, concludes that hugging or touching trees is effective in treating some forms of mental illnesses.
It is to be specially mentioned that the largest tree hug according to the Guinnes Book of World Records, was organized in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 21st March 2017, the UN international day of Forests by Asianet News net work, with the support of Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI). The event named ‘My tree, My Life’ was organized to promote and propagate the importance of trees in our lives and was inaugurated by the then Kerala Governor P. Sadasivam. 4620 people from different categories and countries participated in the event, each one hugging a tree and the whole programme was aired globally. The programme was watched and appreciated by the people all over the world. It really helped to make the people aware of the value and importance of trees in human life.
Spiritual Powers of Trees
Taoist master Mantak Chia teaches his students to meditate with trees as a way to release negative energies. He explains that trees can help you transform your bodies’ negative energy into positive life force energy facilitating your own physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
It is believed that energy vibrations from trees help us think better and enhance our intuitive and creative powers. It is well known that Buddha attained enlightenment while he was meditating under a Boddhi tree. Boddhi trees are planted near to all Buddhist monasteries and are still revered as sacred. The great scientist, Isaac Newton got the idea of the theory of gravity when an apple fell on his head while he was under an apple tree.
Trees are regarded as sacred and have been worshiped by people of different cultures and classes, from ancient times. Trees are considered as the most spiritually advanced living beings on earth. They are believed to be constantly in a meditative state radiating subtle spiritual energy. Trees have hidden powers to unlock your intuition and creativity to a great extent. Trees can very well help you in your spiritual journey. Hence the famous American writer and journalist Nora Waln pointed out; ‘Trees give peace to the souls of man.’ As the Nepalese writer Santhosh Kumar Kalwar pointed out; “All our wisdom is stored in the trees’.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. JOHN MUZHUTHETTU is a Human Resource Consultant, National Trainer, and Counselor. Formerly he was the Deputy Chief Engineer, Kerala State Electricity Board and is still working as an external faculty of HRD Programmes of KSEB. He is also a faculty of Department of Management Studies, Mar Augusthinose College, Ramapuram, under M.G.University, Kerala. He is the PG course co-ordinator of MHRM.
He is a columnist in several Magazines, like ‘Business Deepika’, ‘Creative Business’, ‘Donbosco’ etc. His articles have been published in many magazines and journals. His several speeches have been aired by All India Radio. His interviews on various subjects have been telecasted by Power Vision TV. He is the author of five best-selling books:
‘Stress-Manassasthra- Aathmeeya Pariharangel’. (Current Books, Thrissur) 4th Edition
Vijayiyude Vyakthithwam (Current Books, Thrissur)
Jeevitham Santhushtamakan, Nithya Yauvanam Nedan.(CSS, Thiruvalla)2ndEdition
Emotional Intelligence-Jeevithavijayathinu (CSS, Thiruvalla)
Vijayarahsyangal (Current Books, Thrissur)
As a trainer, he has conducted more than a thousand seminars and workshops for teachers, parents, students, executives and others, on several subjects like Stress Management, Time Management, Personality Development, Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual intelligence for Excellence, Communicative Skills, Assertiveness, Motivation, Study Skills, Effective Parenting, Counselling Skills etc. He is an external training faculty of Power Engineers Training and Research Centre of KSEB. He is an external faculty of IMG Cochin. He is also the Secretary of Upasana Cultural Centre, Thodupuzha.
Read More from Dr. John Muzhuthettu:
Miraculous Powers Of Smiling To Enrich Your Life And Relations
Art of Conversation – The Heart of Happy Relations
Assertiveness: Your Master Key To Success
Greatest Lessons for Developing an Amazing Personality
Crying: A Holistic Self-Healing Process
Great Lessons of Public Speaking From the Greatest Orators of History
Social Connections: An Ideal Prescription for Holistic Health, and Longevity
Miraculous Powers of Forgiveness to Transform Your Life
The Magic of Charity Can Change Your Life
Impression Management: The Art and Science of Success
THE AMAZING SCIENCE OF PHEROMONES
FAILURES: THE HIDDEN SEEDS OF SUCCESS
THE AMAZING PSYCHOLOGY OF LUCK
SMARTPHONE ADDICTION- A SERIOUS MODERN MALADY
MEDITATION FOR BOOSTING YOUR BRAIN AND HEALING YOUR MIND: TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
20 SUPER TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
He is a Human Resource Consultant, National Trainer, and Counselor. Formerly he was the Deputy Chief Engineer, Kerala State Electricity Board and is still working as an external faculty of HRD Programmes of KSEB. He is also a faculty of Department of Management Studies, Mar Augusthinose College, Ramapuram, under M.G.University, Kerala. He is the PG course co-ordinator of MHRM.
He is a columnist in several Magazines, like ‘Business Deepika’, ‘Creative Business’, ‘Donbosco’ etc. His articles have been published in many magazines and journals. His several speeches have been aired by All India Radio. His interviews on various subjects have been telecasted by Power Vision TV.
He is the author of five best-selling books
- ‘Stress-Manassasthra- Aathmeeya Pariharangel’. (Current Books, Thrissur) 4th Edition
- Vijayiyude Vyakthithwam (Current Books, Thrissur)
- Jeevitham Santhushtamakan, Nithya Yauvanam Nedan.(CSS, Thiruvalla)2ndEdition
- Emotional Intelligence-Jeevithavijayathinu (CSS, Thiruvalla)
- Vijayarahsyangal (Current Books, Thrissur)
As a trainer, he has conducted more than a thousand seminars and workshops for teachers, parents, students, executives and others, on several subjects like Stress Management, Time Management, Personality Development, Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual intelligence for Excellence, Communicative Skills, Assertiveness, Motivation, Study Skills, Effective Parenting, Counselling Skills etc. He is an external training faculty of Power Engineers Training and Research Centre of KSEB. He is an external faculty of IMG Cochin. He is also the Secretary of Upasana Cultural Centre, Thodupuzha.
