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"LOVE IS the new currency.

PEACE IS the new measure of success.

TRUTH IS the new security.

JOY IS the new status symbol."

~Debbie Barnett~

When my oldest nephew was little, if he wanted a hug he would hold out his arms and announce, "Hugga Twevor" (his version of his name at the time). Nowadays when I hug friends, I say, "Hugga Debbie." I don't limit my hugs to just people, though. As a child of the 60's, I freely admit to being a tree hugger. After learning this bit of information about me, if you are convinced I'm crazy and wish to drop off my mailing list, I'll understand. However, if you, too, are a tree hugger, read on.

A friend recently said she was considering taking down a tree in her back yard as it was pushing against the fence. News that this tree's life was potentially on the chopping block caused me much distress. It seems to have touched a nerve, which goes beyond the loss of a single tree. It saddens me that this is indicative of how our society treats nature. When something natural like a tree gets in the way or becomes inconvenient, our response is to destroy it.   

We often take trees for granted. Did you know:*

• Trees renew our air supply by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. One acre of trees removes up to 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide each year. One tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen a year, enough to keep a family of four breathing.
• Shade trees can make buildings up to 20 degrees cooler in the summer.
• Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves.
• Trees improve water quality by slowing and filtering rain water, as well as protecting aquifers and watersheds.
• Trees make people feel good. Workers are more productive when they see trees along their commute routes and from their office windows.
• Trees in the landscape relax us, lower heart rates, and reduce stress.
• Hospital patients who have a view of trees heal faster, use fewer pain medications, and leave the hospital sooner than patients with a view of a brick wall. Patients with a view of trees spend 8 percent fewer days in the hospital.

Growing up in Wisconsin, my favorite pastime was playing in the woods or climbing trees. Living in Southern California I miss the vibrate fall colors of the huge old oaks we had on our property. I'm a firm believer that all living things are sentient beings. In other words, they have feelings, too. When I hug a tree, it feels like it hugs me back.

A world without trees would be a sad world indeed. What is your view of nature? Do you honor and respect it, or are you one who destroys it when it inconveniences you?   

The trees, and all of nature, are holding out their arms and calling out for us to "hugga tree." How will you respond? If you're not comfortable actually hugging a tree, at least send them love when you encounter them. They play a vital role in our health and the health of Mother Earth.  

Namaste,

Debbie

*From treesaregood.com and zapworld.com