Based on sylvotherapy (forest therapy) training and scientifically backed studies, it has been found that you don’t actually need to be standing in the forest to receive some of the benefits of trees. Our nervous systems are beautifully responsive and even small, intentional connections with nature can make a difference to our wellbeing. While nothing fully replaces time in a living, breathing forest — with its deep physiological and psychological benefits, for now, let’s look at what’s available when we don't have forest access. Here are a few simple, accessible ways to connect with trees wherever you are: 🍃 1. Look at trees (yes, even photos count) Research shows that viewing images of trees or natural landscapes can reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and improve mood. Try: - A tree photo as your phone or computer background - A picture or photo of a tree on your wall - Just sit and spend some time looking at this tree, noticing its shape, shades of green, branches and so on. 💚 2. Green is medicine The colour green is strongly associated with balance and restoration. Exposure to green tones has been linked to: - Reduced cortisol (stress hormone) - Improved focus and mental clarity - Gentle regulation of heart rate and breath - Houseplants, green clothing, green walls, or sitting near a window with trees in view all count. 🌿 3. Bring trees indoors Houseplants act as living allies. Caring for them builds relationship, rhythm, and presence. They can also support air quality and humidity — subtle but meaningful physical benefits. I love to gently touch and talk with all my houseplants. 🌬️ 4. Essential oils as “forest memory” Certain essential oils capture the aromatic compounds released by trees in forests — the same compounds we breathe during shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). Tree-based oils such as: - Cypress - Douglas fir - Hinoki - Spruce - Cedarwood can support calm, grounded focus when diffused or gently inhaled. Some blends are designed specifically for this purpose — for example, doTERRA Shinrin-Yoku blend, inspired by forest bathing practices. I was very lucky to have been gifted a bottle of this from some guests and I have really enjoyed it, especially while not being able to access the forest due to my injury.

If I’m being completely honest, I have found it a bit of a challenge to try and translate what we are doing here at My Tree Legacy into a format that is relevant to those in our community (that's you) who have the biggest ability to make real change happen. I do think however, I may have found a way to do that ….so let’s see how this goes! 🌿 Regenerating Land & Life – Wherever You Are My Tree Legacy isn’t just about us planting trees to bring our native forests back, it goes much deeper and the ripples go out much further. We are here to remind you that regeneration doesn’t start with land ownership, wealth, or perfection – it starts with intention, choice, and relationship. You don’t need to have 850 acres like we do. You don’t need to grow all your own food. You don’t even need to talk to trees (which I’m often found doing). 🌿 All you need to do is start with small changes: 🌱 Grow a pot plant indoors our outdoors. 🌱 Change one habit. 🌱 Spend five minutes noticing a tree or a flower. 🌱 Make one better choice at a time. 🌿In 2026, My Tree Legacy becomes a place for real people, living real lives, learning how to regenerate: 🌱Their homes 🌱Their habits 🌱Their health 🌱their relationship with the Earth 🌱Their sense of meaning and belonging. 🌿 Regeneration starts with the smallest steps, which in turn, create a living legacy. 🌿 What we mean by Regenerating Land & Life In this community, regeneration means: 🌱 Caring for what is within reach 🌱 Leaving thing better than we found them (not matter how small the change is) 🌱 Understanding that every choice has a ripple out into the world 🌱 Rebuilding connection – to land, body, and inner world. It doesn’t matter whether you have a farm, backyard, balcony, windowsill or simply how you move through your day – all of it counts!