May 2, 2025

Hello Followers,

It is TGIF!

“Oh! gladly do we welcome thee,

Fair pleasant month in May.

Month which we have eager longed to see,

Through many a wintry day.”

— Rosana Eleanor Leprohon

You know, when we talk about the benefits of tree hugging, we often highlight the emotional lift and the eco-friendly side of it.

But have you ever thought about how it gets you moving more?

Yes, stepping outside and giving a tree a good hug is not just about feeling that connection with nature.

It is a sneaky way to get some exercise in, too.

So, here is the scoop on how tree hugging gets you on your feet:

Getting outdoors: First off, just by heading outside to scope out that perfect tree, you are already moving more and cutting down on couch time.

Hitting those exercise goals: Believe it or not, wrapping your arms around a tree counts as a kind of gentle workout.

It is a fun, easy tick towards hitting your daily activity quota.

A full-body thing: Reaching up and around a tree gets a bunch of different muscles in on the action, so you are getting a soft workout without even hitting the gym.

Flex and balance boost: Trying to get your arms around a big old tree can stretch you in new ways, helping with your flexibility and balance.

Pretty neat, right?

Moving naturally: There is something special about moving around in nature.

Hugging trees lets you stretch and reach in ways you just cannot do indoors.

Adding tree hugging to your daily or weekly routine is a way to up your physical activity, feel better all around, and bond with nature, all in one go.

If you are a gardener, here is why you should collect as many

pinecones as you can outside.

Dan and I are always on the lookout for new ways to enhance our garden and make it more efficient.

One often overlooked but highly beneficial resource available right at your doorstep is the humble pinecone.

Due to their abundance, pinecones can offer remarkable benefits for your garden.

Understanding how to properly use them can turn your garden into a flourishing paradise.

1. Soil Improvement

Pinecones are excellent for enhancing soil quality.

They decompose slowly, adding organic material to the soil and helping to improve its structure.

When mixed into your compost, pinecones provide essential nutrients needed for plant growth.

2. Moisture Retention

By spreading pinecones around your garden beds, you can help retain moisture in the soil.

The cones act as a natural mulch, reducing evaporation and keeping the soil consistently moist.

This can be particularly beneficial during dry spells or in arid climates.

3. Weed Control

Pinecones can be used as a natural barrier to suppress weed growth.

Placing them around your plants creates a physical barrier that makes it harder for weeds to establish themselves.

This can save you time on weeding and allow your desired plants to thrive without competition.

4. Pest Control

Another advantage of using pinecones in your garden is their potential to deter pests.

Many pests find the texture of pinecones unpleasant and are less likely to invade areas where they are present.

This can help protect your plants from damage and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

5. Decorative Element

In addition to their practical benefits, pinecones can also serve as an attractive decorative feature in your garden.

They can be used in various DIY projects, such as creating garden ornaments or focusing on seasonal displays.

This adds a charming natural element to your outdoor space.

6. Erosion Prevention

If your garden is on a slope or has areas prone to erosion, pinecones can help stabilize the soil.

Their presence helps anchor the soil, reducing the risk of erosion during heavy rains or strong winds.

7. Air Fresheners

Pinecones can be used as natural air fresheners.

You can infuse them with essential oils and place them around the house for a pleasant, natural scent.

Popular choices include cinnamon, pine, or lavender oils.

Baking pinecones before using them as air fresheners helps to clean them, remove moisture, and enhance their natural scent.

To do this, bake the pinecones at two hundred degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes on a lined baking sheet.

This process ensures they are safe and effective for indoor use.

By incorporating pinecones into your gardening routine, you will not only improve the health and appearance of your garden but also make the most of a readily available natural resource.

So next time you come across some pinecones, gather them up and put them to good use in your garden!

This powerful 5-minute guided meditation breathing practice, combined with visualization, is designed to give you a refreshing energy boost! If you' have been feeling sluggish and low in energy lately, give this a try.

You will feel great!

Until Saturday, when you hug a tree, you are not only connected with a living being that has stood the test of time, but you are also tapping into the energy and wisdom that trees possess.