MIND

EXPLORE

Prosopis Velutina | Mesquite | Kui

 Plant roots explore the soil to locate essential water and nutrients. They also form communities and mutually beneficial relationships with other plants and soil based organisms. Among these associations, mesquite tree roots host rhizobiome bacteria that assist the tree in acquiring nitrogen, a nutrient generally lacking in desert soils.

This nutritional supplement ensures the mesquite beans are rich in protein. Mesquites have been used for hundreds of years as a food source. The pods ground into meal that can be used as a nutrient supplement. The wood is also used as a construction material for housing and furniture. And even the sap has been used as a soothing, sweet antiseptic.

Wellness Experience

Mesquite tree

 As you are looking at the mesquite tree and thinking about the concept of explore, let's explore the area around you with forest bathing. Forest bathing is a term that has been directly translated from the Japanese expression Shinrin yoku. It is a practice that guides people to take nature in through the senses in a mindful way while also noticing and experiencing the awe and wonder of the natural world.

 Research is consistently discovering and exploring the countless mental and physical health benefits from this practice. Please join me in a brief TrailRx forest or in this case desert bathing invitation. Notice the mesquite tree in front of you as we will incorporate it into our practice. As you sit in this space, please take a moment to first close your eyes or lower them to the ground.

 Join me in taking three deep breaths. Each time paying attention to slowing down your exhalation or out breath. Go ahead and take three slow deep breaths. Now with your eyes still closed or lowered, notice the temperature of the air as it enters and exits your nostrils.

 Notice the moisture in the air. Notice any fragrances. Notice the way the air feels on the top of your head. Your face, your body, still with eyes closed, notice the sounds inside your body, your heart beating. The sound of your breath, then notice the sounds within a few feet of your body. Imagine that you could bring the sounds of nature into your body.

 In a moment, I will count to three and invite you to open your eyes to take in the sight of the mesquite tree before you. When you do, please start by exploring the roots of the tree. And if you can't see them, imagine where they might start on all different sides of the tree. From there, I invite you to move your gaze ever so slowly from the roots to the trunk, in and out, taking in the different branches, and slowly, slowly, slowly, over the course of the next few moments, to the very crown of the tree.

 On the count of three, We'll pause for a moment, and I'll invite you to open your eyes and gaze up the tree. One, two, three. What did you notice? Take a moment to think about this, or perhaps even jot some notes or journal about it. If you would like to learn more about forest bathing and the TrailRx program, please visit my website at integrativeinitiative.com/TrailRx.