How to Talk with a Tree

A reader recently asked whether I had any suggestions about how to connect with trees. I thought maybe others were wondering too? This is my reply:

“Hello … thanks for reading my post. I'm no expert on talking with trees, I just do what feels right, instinctual almost. It's a feeling thing rather than a talking thing. I don't talk out loud, just in my mind. It’s kind of like a shared consciousness.

Photo of my granddaughter communing with a tree - children do it naturally!

So I approach the tree and get a sense of whether they want to communicate/commune. If they don't respond that's fine, I might sit or stand near them a while or just move on. Most trees are silent, but then you'll find one that wants to be in touch.

Touch is important too, sort of like loving or caring for a child- reaching out and touching them, but not if you sense they don't want you to. It's like building a mutual respect, but remember that you're the one who has the power, in the sense that you can move away, but they can't.

Sometimes you just get a sense a tree wants to talk with you - you feel drawn to it. It might be an unassuming sapling. Simply ask it if it's ok if you're close by, and if so, does it have anything it wants to say to you?

Then wait and listen, I find their responses simply come into my mind. They come in words, in English in my case, but I imagine consciousness will translate from tree-language to your language automatically.

Also notice feelings in your body - it's like being with another human - you can feel their anger, their happiness, then you can follow this thread. Check in with them, get a sense about what this feeling is about.

In this post (The Power of Listening) I talked about our human power of transformation - by simply feeling their feeling, putting it into words and getting sense of what it's about can be healing for the tree - we can do this for each other - we can share our feelings with trees and they somehow absorb them. Mutual transformation.

Listening is important - once a conversation begins you'll find you can sit quietly and their words and feelings will come into your mind and body.

I always express gratitude and thank the tree before leaving. Some suggest making an offering as well, such as a flower. I have found my presence alone seems to be enough, especially when offered up as a gift. In my experience some trees are also very willing to give back; to answer questions and offer reflections. There’s a richness and reciprocity to these conversations, a mutual love and compassion.

I hope this helps. If you are just starting on your journey of talking with trees, or if you have done it forever, I’d love to hear about it! Let’s build the mycelium of Substack by connecting with each other.