tree hugging

why not hug a tree? why is there a stigma associated with living a lifestyle harmonious with the environment?

"you see his dreadlocks? tree-hugger"

"look at the tree-hugger driving a prius."

"who cares if i don't recycle, the tree-huggers?"

at various times in my short life, i've heard these statements. when did tree-hugger become a four letter word? (well, during the environmental movement in association with the vietnam war, the seventies, increased drug use, etc.... so i do know when it became a bad word, i was being rhetorical).

i personally love to physically hug trees.

yep, i wrap my white, freckled arms around them and send my positive vibes of love and gratefulness into their outer skins of bark. i thank them for their service, shade, oxygen, the sounds they make when the wind blows, the interesting patterns they make with their shadows.

there is a joy in wrapping my arms around an ancient being, riddled with rings of knowledge, weather, years. there is life, energy in the most literal of forms. i feel connected with the earth-- truly connected.

trees are deceptive in a way. they are usually as large underground as they are above ground. they are strong, yet flexible. the ones who aren't, those old, wise beings, they unfortunately fall and pass on, much as humans do.

i am a proud granola-eating-hemp-wearing-bus-riding-tree-hugger. the only four letter word in my vocabulary that describes my tree-hugging experiences is love.

hug a tree today. be the crazy nut embracing the earth, appreciating your environment, giving thanks for a tree. you're giving thanks for life, for experience, for good.

cheers.