You really touched a part of me with this post. To start you had some wonderful lines in the writing which made me smile.

There is nothing distasteful going on, but I do have a very unusual relationship with them.

I smiled at that purely because I know you must not find it unusual. It's just hard for some others to understand. I realised, at the start of the year, about the strong link we have with the Earth. It makes sense how embracing a tree will make you one with the Earth. You are connected, at one and grounded to the ground beneath you. We are all made from the same organism and the life and energy that a tree generates is huge.

Scientists have found that hugging a tree improves concentration, reaction time, depression, stress, anxiety, and many forms of mental illness

I try to be as sceptical as I can at all times in the world we live in right now. I believe that centering yourself with the Earth can cure and heal yourself and your mind but... If I can see some scientific evidence for this claim, I would appreciate the words even more.

It was lovely to hear that others were coming by to share stories with you and enjoying some peace. This is what it's all about!

It sounds like you've developed a certainty in yourself when it comes to how you embrace the world and at times the onslaught from others must be an upsetting experience. I'd just like to let you know that, although I don't go around parks and hug trees myself, I understand and I respect your contribution to the Earth. It's lovely to hear your story.

Maybe I'll head out later on today and give it a go, who knows, it might just give me the power I've been missing.