How to Talk to Trees

If you come on a forest bathing walk with me, chances are you will be invited to go sit with a tree. Tree invitations are my favorite ones to offer. Why? Because I love to hear all of the beautiful insights people share when they return from their time with the trees. 

Trees love to talk. Science shows they communicate with each other and I’ve found they will communicate with us if we listen. 

Talking with a tree is simpler than you may think. The easiest way to begin is to take a walk in the woods. As you move, notice—who is catching your eye? Who’s trying to get your attention? Let yourself be drawn in. Let the tree call to you.

It might be a tree you’ve passed many times before, or one you’re noticing for the very first time. Maybe the light is falling just right on it, or the movement of its branches is giving a wave. That’s how trees call us in.

If you aren’t sure which one is beckoning to you, close your eyes and take 3 or 4 slow, deep breaths. Then open your eyes and pay attention to which direction your body wants to move. Trust that it’s the way you should go and allow your body to take you to the tree. 

Now, it’s possible that when you reach the tree, something doesn’t quite click. That’s okay. Look around—you might find another tree nearby who is hoping to be seen.

Or sometimes, more than one tree will call to you. If that happens, thank them all. Let them know you’re only able to connect with one tree at a time, for now. Then ask, who is the one for me today?

Once you find the tree that feels right, introduce yourself. After saying your name, ask the tree what it would like to be called. Listen. 

Don’t be surprised if the name you hear is not the species name. The tree will tell you his or her name. (Yes, trees have gender—and that’s a whole other journal post!) For example, at Magic Tree Sanctuary’s Blue Ridge Mountain location, we have Hobbit Tree, Heart Tree, Spiral Tree, Elephant Tree, and Josephine, just to name a few.

After the introductions, ask the tree if it’s okay that you sit or stand with her for a while.

Then, notice the details—what do her leaves look like? What does her bark feel like? Is there a scent in the air? What do you hear?

Turn your attention to your breath. As you breathe in and out, remember that you are breathing in the tree’s exhale, and she is breathing in yours. Let yourself feel that beautiful exchange, the giving and receiving between you both.

Now, imagine a thread of light extending from your heart to hers. Tune into that connection. What does it feel like?

Then, speak to her like you would a good friend. There’s no need to overthink it—just share what’s on your mind. You can talk aloud, or silently in your mind. Let the words come naturally. Tell her whatever you’d like—what you’re feeling, what you’re grateful for, etc.  

Ask her what she wants to share with you. And, listen.

Trees speak in their language. Sometimes their response arrives as a sensation, an image, or a sudden knowing that feels like it didn’t come from you. The more you practice listening, the clearer the conversation becomes.

Stay with the tree as long as you’d like. 

When it’s time to go, thank her. Thank her for her presence, for her time, and for the connection you’ve just begun.

This is how you talk with a tree.

This is also the start of a relationship. A single conversation is a beautiful beginning, but real friendship asks for more—it asks for your respect, your openness, and your time. Just like with humans, connection and conversation grow through consistency and care. So if a tree speaks to you, come back. Visit again.

I promise, she’ll be looking forward to seeing you.

💚 Julie