Wood – Hug a Tree
“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.” – Kahlil Gabran. When we walk through forests, the smell of wood is said to be beneficial for our health as we are breathing in their oxygen and the trees thrive on our carbon dioxide. What a synergy and we are still cutting them down. That being said, the island/state of Tasmania has stopped cutting down the beautiful honey-coloured Huon Pine trees, once loved to make boats due to the dense oil. Now only old wood or dead trees can be used and the lovely intense smell is wonderful to experience.
Wood is said to have the ability to restore the air balance in a living space and is known to be a natural insulator against the cold. Psychologists say that even the sight of wood can affect our levels of anxiety and it is interesting to note that dark coloured wood can enhance anxiety and light coloured wood can create a sense of peace. I wonder if that is why spas are always in light timber with lovely eucalyptus smells?
The Japanese also have a wonderful term called Shinrin Yoku, a ‘forest bath’ where harmony and even possibly natural herbal remedies can be enhanced by literally hugging a tree. It is said to possibly release a hormone called oxytocin known as the hormone of love and childbirth. A hormone that is controlled by a positive feedback mechanism which encourages further releases of the hormone. I will remember this the next time I see a tree!
Feng Shui First
In Feng Shui, the Wood element is considered to be yin (feminine) and is seen as a symbol of growth. Think of wood cabins and ski chalets for example. Wood adds comfort and warmth to a room whether it is a soft, honey pine in the Health and Wealth sectors or a rich, red mahogany in the Fame area. The partner colour for Wood is green which is all about new life and growth and you can consider buying bed linen with leaves or flowers or art work with growing trees to add to your space. Just remember to not over do this element as it can be too stimulating.
We have a lovely old French farmhouse fruitwood table that has travelled with us and is admired by friends. This, and a lovely old Chinese elm money chest, are two of the few remaining pieces that we have kept from our travels. They give a sense of our traveling history and the table has seen many dinners and people gather around it. They are part of our ‘traveling furniture’ and we will take them wherever we go.
Don’t Over Do It
If you are on a budget or renting, add wood with accessories such as wooden fruit, a bowl or kitchen tools. Just remember that Wood feeds the Fire element which is fine but Wood is cut down by Metal. Try not to mix these two elements. The Metal energy of truth can cut down the element of Wood, growth. Water and Wood can work well together but need to be balanced as Water represents emotion and growth and the combination with Wood can be too much growth and not enough grounding and peace. The living space could end up being way too stimulating. It is all about an interior harmony to live in. There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come.”
