The Rise of Tree Hugging Therapy in Beijing
In the heart of Beijing, an unusual practice has taken root, offering solace and connection amidst the bustling city. Tree hugging, once considered a peculiar activity, is now becoming a form of therapy for many seeking relief from stress and loneliness.
The Art of Hugging Trees
Xiaoyang Wong, a 35-year-old former film editor turned forest therapist, explains that tree hugging is a way to foster touch in one's life. It is a skill that must be learned, and Wong guides her clients to observe, connect, and eventually touch the trees.
Seeking Relief and Connection
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated feelings of isolation, and tree hugging therapy has found a niche in providing comfort and camaraderie. Young and old, friends, and lovers alike can be found seeking solace in the embrace of a tree.
Forest Therapy and Young Women in China
Scholars argue that trees make young people feel rooted and alive. In her ongoing research, Akanksha Awal, a lecturer at SOAS, University of London, found that more women than men are drawn to forest therapy, seeking friendship with both trees and other human beings.
Adapting Traditional Therapies
Wong adapts traditional forest bathing therapies to engage participants more deeply. Plant enactment, where participants take on the name and gestures of their favorite tree, is one such adaptation. These innovative methods foster a sense of connection and self-exploration.
A New Narrative for Urban China
While China's urbanization is often portrayed through images of pollution, the story of young people like Wong and Florian Mo offers a different perspective. They seek to repair the urban environment by nurturing relationships with trees and each other.
Reflections and Future Implications
The practice of tree hugging therapy in Beijing underscores the need for alternative ways to cope with stress and loneliness, especially in urban environments. As more people turn to nature for solace, it may signal a shift in how we perceive and interact with our surroundings.
For young people like Wong and Mo, trees represent more than just a living organism. They offer a space for self-exploration, connection, and healing. As we navigate the challenges of modern life, the wisdom of these ancient trees may yet hold the key to a more balanced and harmonious existence.