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92 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 the ideas they represent—can alleviate all types of concerns while boosting our overall well-being. So, how do we call upon tree energy and wisdom in the treatment room? How do we use the lessons of trees to boost our efficacy as healers? How do we assist people struggling with pandemic effects? Following are a number of ideas. 1. Forest bathe. Spend time among these stately beings when not working. Encourage your clients to do the same. If a client isn't particularly metaphysical, quote a few of the scientific reasons for spending time with trees that are featured in this article. If this isn't possible, go for plants in the office, or even a few branches or a piece of driftwood. A picture of a giant oak tree can suffice. No matter the quantity of physical trees in or around your office, as living beings, we emanate subtle and physical energy fields that interconnect—and exchange energy—with the energy fields of trees or parts of trees. Just knowing this fact can help you, or a client, draw in a tree's negative ions and boost the psychological message of community. 2. Soothe clients with a tree meditation. How can you help your client become more grounded or in touch with their inner essence? End every session with a short tree meditation. Ask the client to imagine themselves being a tree: freestanding, but also rooted into a supportive structure. A sense of safety reduces stress and bolsters immunity. 3. Slow down time. It's far easier to change unhealthy behaviors and make new choices if we give ourselves the gift of timelessness. If a client seems particularly stuck or confused about the cause of a presenting problem (or really scared about how long it's taking for the world to cope with pandemic-related problems), ask them to imagine that they are as old and slow moving as a tree. Request that they stop their thinking long enough to examine the events and beliefs underpinning a current concern. Still entrenched in tree-time, the client can next arrive at a fresh perspective or action plan. 4. Encourage clients to reflect upon their own "wood wide web." We are nothing more or less than interconnected fields of light and sound. That said, we are constantly interacting with—and exchanging ideas between—other people, animals, and all things outside of ourselves. Encourage clients to embrace this truth, as well as the power of choice. Which influences are life-enhancing? Which seem to be draining? Who or what can a client draw on to strengthen their immune system or lessen their viral fears? Energy follows intention. Support a client in deciding who or what they want to be impacted by, and how. The body, and its health, will follow. Notes 1. Brian Owens, "Trees Share Vital Goodies through a Secret Underground Network," New Scientist, April 14, 2016, www.newscientist.com/ article/2084488-trees-share-vital-goodies-through-a-secret-underground- network. 2. Richard Grant, "Do Trees Talk to Each Other?," Smithsonian Magazine, March 2018, www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-whispering- trees-180968084; Valentina Lagomarsino, "Exploring the Underground Network of Trees—The Nervous System of the Forest," Science in the News Blog, May 6, 2019, http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2019/ exploring-the-underground-network-of-trees-the-nervous-system-of- the-forest; Sarah Ripper, "Plant Neurobiology Shows How Trees Are Just Like Humans," Uplift, February 27, 2017, www.upliftconnect.com/plant- neurobiology-trees-humans. 3. Alexa Freeman, "Isn't it Ionic: And Other Reasons to Unplug for Your Health," The Recommended Daily Blog, accessed August 2020, www. smartypantsvitamins.com/blogs/articles/isn-t-it-ionic-health-benefits-of- negative-ions. 4. Qing Li, Forest Bathing (New York: Penguin Random House, 2018), 65–69. 5. Sarah Ripper, "Plant Neurobiology Shows How Trees Are Just Like Humans." 6. Amots Dafni, "Rituals, Ceremonies and Customs Related to Sacred Trees with Special Reference to the Middle East," Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 3, no. 28 (July 2007), https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269- 3-28. 7. The Book of Life, "Eastern Philosophy: Lao Tzu," accessed August 2020, www.theschooloflife.com/thebookoflife/the-great-eastern-philosophers- lao-tzu. 8. Life Coach Code, "You Can Heal Yourself Using the Chi Energy of Trees According to Taoist Masters," October 20, 2017, www.lifecoachcode. com/2017/10/20/heal-yourself-chi-energy-trees-taoist-masters Cyndi Dale is an internationally renowned author, speaker, and intuitive consultant. Her popular books include The Subtle Body Coloring Book: Learn Energetic Anatomy (Sounds True, 2017), Subtle Energy Techniques (Llewellyn Publications, 2017), Llewellyn's Complete Book of Chakras (Llewellyn Publications, 2016), The Intuition Guidebook: How To Safely and Wisely Use Your Sixth Sense (Deeper Well Publishing, 2011), Energetic Boundaries: How to Stay Protected and Connected in Work, Love, and Life (Sounds True, 2011), The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy (Sounds True, 2009), and The Complete Book of Chakra Healing (Llewellyn Publications, 2009), as well as nearly 20 additional books. To learn more about Dale and her products, services, and classes, please visit www.cyndidale.com. ENERGY WORK