CHAPTER 7

GRADUATION

The Highest Education

Naturally, Tree Yoga is the highest education. You are learning from the absolute best — the teacher of all teachers. Remember, I am not referring to myself! I’m simply the messenger here. The teacher is nature. Learn from nature, and learn from trees. You will never find a better teacher, or a better school.

Education can get expensive, however the best education is truly free. There is no cost to visit nature’s classroom and learn from trees. Nature has long served as an inexhaustible source of inspiration and wisdom for some of the greatest minds in history. Philosophers, scientists, artists, and thinkers from all walks of life have sought solace and enlightenment in nature’s embrace.

These luminaries, among countless others, were not only inspired by nature but also deeply understood the intrinsic value here. They recognized the lessons it holds and the wisdom it imparts to those willing to listen. It's a testament to the timeless truth that nature is our greatest teacher, a truth we are privileged to rediscover through the practice of Tree Yoga.

A Journey Just Begun

As we arrive at the end of this book, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your time and openness. I know some of the claims and concepts can be pretty unbelievable at first. It has been an honor and a privilege to guide you through the practice of Tree Yoga. However, the journey has just started. The pages of a book can only guide you so far; the real voyage begins when you step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and allow yourself to be drawn towards the calming presence of a tree.

Embarking on this journey towards enlightenment, I now invite you — yes, you, the reader — to participate in an enriching and transformative challenge. This is your call to action — your opportunity to truly connect with the grandeur of nature. I challenge you to commit to spending at least 30 minutes each day in the serene company of trees.

This could be early in the morning, as the sun paints the sky with hues of hope, or perhaps in the tranquil twilight, as the day starts to fold into the night. It could be a mid-day break from the hustle and bustle — a time when you pause the clock and let the world fade into the background. It could be anytime, and this is easier than it initially sounds. There is so much you can do next to a tree, whether it be reading a book, talking to a friend, eating a meal, quiet contemplation, or even sending emails!

As you undertake this Tree Yoga challenge, try to make nature a daily habit. However, remember that habits are not born overnight. They require consistent practice and patience — especially in the beginning stages. But once formed, they have the power to shape our lives in unimaginable ways.

To help with this challenge, I recommend maintaining a journal to document your journey. Specifically, I recommend the old-school pen and paper, but a phone or laptop works too. Write about the symphony of sounds around you, the play of sunlight through the leaves, the textures you feel, and the scents you inhale. Write about the inner workings of your mind and the dreams you wish to turn into reality. Note the subtle shifts in your mood, the gentle surge in your energy levels, and the profound impact on your overall well-being. Take note of the effect of nature on you.

Don't be surprised if you find yourself becoming more patient, more peaceful, and more present in your daily life — even in stressful situations and chaotic circumstances. The benefits of immersing yourself in nature are manifold and transcend the boundaries of physical and mental health.

Share your experiences and insights, however small or grand, with your loved ones. Teach them the philosophy and practice of Tree Yoga. Encourage them to join you in this challenge. Remember, each person who reconnects with nature brings us one step closer to an enlightened world with harmony, peace, and compassion.

Take this challenge not as a task to complete, but as a voyage towards self-discovery — a journey where the path is as enchanting as the destination. I am excited for you, for the remarkable shift you're about to undertake, and the beautiful transformations it will bring into your life.

Dawn of a New Era

in Wellness

Throughout history, people have been on a continuous quest for higher health and wellness. They’ve been looking for the Fountain of Youth. We’ve come a long way, with countless milestones marking our journey. However, with Tree Yoga, we have finally found it. This discovery might just be our most profound achievement yet, and interestingly, it is as timeless as nature itself.

Tree Yoga isn't merely a form of exercise or a style of meditation; it is a holistic approach to wellness that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit alike through fully harnessing the healing power of nature. It's a practice that seamlessly merges us with the natural world, allowing us to draw from its endless well of vitality, tranquility, and wisdom. By doing so, it not only enhances our physical and mental health but also deepens our spirituality.

But despite its profound potential, this is merely the beginning. The realm of Tree Yoga is vast and largely unexplored. There are endless layers to discover and countless depths to plunge into. We are standing at the edge of an exciting frontier in the ocean of higher health and wellness — ready to dive in.

Moreover, if you have ideas or insights that could enhance Tree Yoga, please reach out to us, because we want to hear from you. This journey isn't mine alone or yours alone; it's ours to undertake together. Every thought, every suggestion, and every shared experience enriches our collective wisdom and brings us one step closer to our goal – a world where every individual is in harmony with themselves and each other.

Let us join hands and step into this exciting new era of higher health and wellness. The path is laid out before us — verdant and inviting. Like that most famous 64th verse from the Tao Te Ching, may we also remember that a journey of a thousand miles — or a lifetime — begins with a single step. If you are reading these words, I want to congratulate you on taking that step. I want to congratulate you on your graduation from Tree Yoga School. However, this is only the beginning.