Tree Guides for Slowing Down

Hello Wild Soul,

As the first touches of cold have begun creeping into our mornings, I have felt that familiar pull toward earlier nights, cosier evenings and more rest. I am curious to know, if you have felt this too?

I find that there is an exciting energy about Autumn too, the vivid colours, the comforting meals, the joy of gathering treasure and creating new routines and rituals as we move into darker evenings. A reset.

We have found ourselves out for sunrise a couple of times this week, and are also noticing that it is dark early enough to be mesmerised by the night sky again. Two of my favourite things that this season brings with ease.

In today’s post I wanted to share some of my favourite tree guides to work with to support us in slowing down and inviting more peace and calm into our days as we ground into the Autumn.

Let’s dive in!

Tree Guides for Slowing Down

There is not much that beats a cosy Autumnal walk through a Pine forest. The vast height and refreshing scent of these charismatic trees encourages us to look up, drop our shoulders and take a deep breath of fresh air.

Being in their presence can help us to move from our busy minds and into the present moment to experience reality with a fresh outlook and a calmer being.

Whether you gather some Pine cones on a walk or burn some Pine oil or incense, connecting with this grand tree can guide our busy minds to slow down.

Holly trees hold strong associations to the dark half of the year where their glossy evergreen leaves, and bright red berries bring a comforting glow to the woodland.

Hollys are masters of growing slowly and patiently in the understory, waiting until space opens up for them to expand. They are wonderful guides in patience, taking our time and trusting in the timing of our own lives.

The next time to you see a Holly tree, take a few breaths and see what you notice about them.

Known as the ‘Mother’ of the woods, the dense canopy and wide branches of the Beech tree protects and shelters those around them.

Their heart nurturing green canopies turn mesmerising shades of bronze and rust in the Autumn. Watch for stray leaves gliding down to earth in the breeze, as they are keen to offer us a mindful moment in our day.

The Lime or Linden tree can be characterised by their heart-shaped leaves. In herbal medicine, the blossom has long been called upon to soothe tension, stress and headaches and gently encourages the body to unwind into a deep sleep.

The Lime tree soothes, calms and offers the most generous support in times of worry.

The graceful branches of the Willow tree hang above the water’s edge where they can always be found encouraging us to talk the time to rest and reflect.

Their gentle energy guides us in allowing things to flow rather than forcing or rushing outcomes.

Field Maple are such a staple in the landscape that they can often be overlooked, however when Autumn arrives, they lead the transformation, into the most gorgeous golden yellows that scatter beneath our feet.

These humble trees grow throughout our towns, cities and countryside reminding us that there is beauty hiding in the mundane.