meditation understudy

“Trees” and “Truth” share linguistic roots.  This will not surprise those who have spent time basking under trees.  Or planting trees.  Or breathing them in while walking in their midst.  I experienced some delightful tree-truth while planting saplings with TreeFolks this weekend.  Since benefits flow from much more than “just” future trees, I thought I'd share what science has documented.  (Somehow, scientific confirmation makes the truth more “real.”)  Tree proximity can, among other things:

• Boost dopamine production

• Reduce post-surgery recovery time (and medication needs)

• Increase serum adiponectin (think: insulin sensitivity, inflammation, metabolic disorders)

• Lower blood pressure and heart rate

• Improve cognitive recall and attention

• Foster better sleep

Wait, read that partial list again!  Don't those benefits sound exactly like what science has confirmed about meditation?  What great news!  So, if you're having trouble meditating, or even just staying in this moment, why not take yourself on a walk?  Or sit beneath your favorite oak?  Enjoy some biologically beneficent tree truth.