We began by sharing things we had been noticing about the natural world, including the warm temperatures, foggy mist, and interesting animal encounters. We then discussed our relationship with trees, and how everything from the air we breathe to the shelters we live in, the fires that keep us warm, and the paper we use to read and write are all thanks to the trees. We practiced a dancing tree meditation, in which we observed various trees and then moved our bodies as the trees moved. We then went into the woods to get to know several different kinds of trees. We explored how knowing the names of things can help us feel more familiar with them, but also how direct observation can help us truly get to know and connect with what is right in front of us.
Once acquainted with some of the trees in the forest, we made various kinds of leaf art, including leaf rubbings and painted leaf stamps.
Finally, we joined the adults in the zendo for a purification ritual, bathing ourselves in incense smoke, also a gift from the trees.
