I love the smell of pine trees, especially, but not limited to, Christmas trees, walking in the woods and real pine scented candles and soap. Admittedly, I especially love it around the holidays but enjoy the scent all winter long; walking or cross-country skiing in the woods and inhaling the cold tinged with pine aroma is restorative for me. So, is there more to this than just a beautiful heady scent?
The Native Americans valued the Great White Pine for many healing purposes. The needles were chewed, eaten, and made into tea which are high in vitamin C (4-5 times stronger than orange juice) and helped prevent scurvy. The sap was used to cure many skin problems.
Today the healing power of pine needles (and it is important to know which species if you are making your own tea) is well documented. The health properties include anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, diuretic, energy enhancing, detoxifying, immune boosting, supports brain health and more!
Here is a link to one of the many articles I read on this topic:
For Native Americans, pine trees represent wisdom and longevity. To other cultures, they represent fertility and life.
Native Americans call the white pine the tree of peace. This week in our practice we have been learning the Iroquois legend that tells this tale which begins with a terrible conflict between five warring tribes. This conflict was rooted in cycles of pain, revenge, and chaos. The legend mentions Dekanawidah, the peace giver, who was sent from the Great Spirit to help create peace between the five nations. After convincing them to unite, they came together to make peace, but still carried their weapons. The Peacemaker uprooted a White Pine tree and had them throw their weapons into the hole. He then replanted the tree, and the underground waters carried away the weapons. On the tree, the needles grew in clusters of five, to represent the five nations who came to find peace. The roots of the tree spread out in four directions, to the north, south, east and west; the roots are called the roots of peace. An eagle perched on top of the tree to watch over the roots of peace. Under the tree, the branches spread wide for all to gather.
So, this week as we move fully into the holiday week for both Christmas and Hanukah, let’s remember the healing properties of pine trees and their symbolic representation of peace and carry that in our hearts. Whether Christian, Jewish or any other faith or spirituality, remembering the celebratory sentiment of light over darkness, good over evil will help us focus on the reason for the season. Taking our practice off the mat.
Meditating on Pine Trees and Healing Peace
"I do not know but a pine wood is as substantial and as memorable a fact as a friend". – Thoreau
"Do not trouble trees. Do not uproot or cut them. They provide protection to animals, birds, and other living beings". – The Rig Veda
"Trees exhale for us so that we can inhale them to stay alive. Can we ever forget that? Let us love trees with every breath we take until we perish." ― Munia Khan
"Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world." ― John Muir
Our Practice (Pine) Tree Pose Vrksasana
Tree pose can be a challenging balance, like anything in our practice, the most important thing to do in tree pose is to maintain a sense of humor and breathe. This week as we channel our inner white pines we can focus on trees as healers and peacemakers, bringing us much joy during the season and always. Of course, we could channel our inner Christmas trees all glowing and sparkly too!
Tree pose helps strengthen our core and legs and stretches our groin and opens our hips. Building balance is important especially as we age; balance, along with a strong core, will help keep us active and healthy for a long time!
Start in mountain pose (tadasana), hands at heart center. Check in with your alignment head to feet, and that your feet are rooted into the floor evenly through all four corners.
Begin to shift your weight into your right foot, lifting your left foot off the floor. Keep your right leg straight but don't lock the knee.
Bend your left knee and bring the sole of your left foot high onto your ankle, calf or inner right thigh. If on the ankle, you can keep your toes on the floor, hip is open to the side.
Press your foot into your leg and your leg into the thigh, engage your core, focus on your drishti (focus point that is not moving). Take 5-10 breaths, adding your arms (branches). Remember, most important to maintain humor, smile and breathe.
Nurturing with Food
No recipe this week. I am sure you all have meals planned around the holidays and perhaps there are lots of treats in store for you. While we do our best to eat healthfully, I wish you some lovely indulgences over the celebratory weeks. Remember, everything in moderation and don't forget to get out there and walk among those pine trees! I have never made my own pine tree tea, but plan to. It is important to use the right species; attached is an article and recipe. Let me know if you try it! Meanwhile, there are some commercial organic pine needle teas out there that are great.
See you on the mat!
Namaste and happy holidays
Julia Anne
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