While wandering through Selby Orchid Gardens in Sarasota, Florida on Mother’s Day, I came across a small path. One of the nice things about Selby Gardens is that you can wander aimlessly through many of the garden paths and still discover something you’ve missed on another visit.
This ‘Hugging Tree’ is a good example of that. I’ve been to these orchids gardens more times than I can count on my fingers and toes. It has peaceful benches under trees where one can sit and quietly contemplate. Strolling through one of these paths, I came across this very big tree with this sign on it. I stopped and read what the sign was saying about it’s meaning.
It read:
Have you ever loved something so much that you gave it a big hug? Well, there are certain plants who love trees so much they hug them.
Epiphytes LOVE trees.
Sometimes they are called ‘air plants’ because they grow above the ground. Their roots help them hug the love of their lives (often trees).
Give this tree a hug just like an epiphyte.
Ep-i-phyte (ep-uh-fahyt)
Now trying saying it all together: Epiphyte
Note the small feathery plants just above the sign – air plants or epiphytes.
This video was an experiment in various countries and in the US. It captures the reaction of people who are being offered a ‘Free Hug’ . They seem suspicious and are hesitant to accept one. Yet, notice the faces of exuberance on the ones who do accept the free hug … pure JOY!!!! 😃
As someone who loves to give hugs to everyone I meet – despite their being taken back a little by it – I am forever in their memories because I dared to expose my heart to them and share my gentle spirit.
HUGS TO YOU TODAY !!!!! 😍
Each week, Frizz, at Flickr Comments is walking us through the A – Z alphabet. This week is the ‘Letter H’ – to join in the fun ….
August 31, 2014 at 10:35 am
Oh what a lovely post. Sending hugs back to you.
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August 28, 2014 at 7:50 pm
GREAT POST! At first I was thinking that I could not hug a complete stranger but by the end I think they changed my mind! !
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August 27, 2014 at 7:00 pm
I love hugs too, Issy. That video is very enlightening.:) Have a wonderful week. xx
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August 27, 2014 at 5:51 pm
Oh, Izzy! Love this post. There’s nothing like a hug. Have you ever hugged a tree. You feel something–a neat, subtle energy running through it and into you. I swear! I’ve done it lots of times with different trees–all that have different energy feelings to them.
I don’t know “tree hugger” is such a derogatory term. I’m proud to be one. I find hugging a tree to be a calming, almost spiritual experience. 🙂
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August 27, 2014 at 3:32 pm
I am from a culture that certainly believes in hugging!! AND, I don’t believe I get enough!! 😦 — wish my kiddos could hug — although my eldest “kitten” did when she was alive.
Am I so behind the times of noticing things, like Midnite’s spots, that I didn’t realized you changed themes? Looks nice!! Have you thought about putting a link to your photography blog?
Namaste!! xoxo
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August 27, 2014 at 1:54 pm
Throwing you a free hug from all the way from Ohio! Xx
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August 27, 2014 at 11:33 am
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August 27, 2014 at 9:42 am
It’s good to hug, Isadora. Lovely post.
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August 27, 2014 at 11:44 am
Yes, I believe in 5 hugs a day. It keeps relationships the connection with those we love.
I’m so pleased you agree. Thank You, Tish. 😊
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August 26, 2014 at 10:01 pm
Hugs right back to you sweet Issy 🙂 x
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August 26, 2014 at 10:27 pm
Aahhh … feelin’ the love. Thank you, Gilly.
Happy Hugs to your week !!!! ❤ hugs ❤
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August 26, 2014 at 9:19 pm
Ah, Isadora, and a big big hug to you too!!!!
The Greek word epiphyte actually means upon plant [epi: upon & phyte: plant]
Happy Tuesday, my dear!! 🙂 xx
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August 26, 2014 at 10:20 pm
I had no idea that the word was Greek. Thank you, Marina, for letting me know. I love learning
new things. This one was very interesting. Happy Week !!!! ❤ 😘
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August 26, 2014 at 10:22 pm
🙂 xxxxx + more hugs!
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August 26, 2014 at 6:17 pm
That song always gets to me…tears. Love this…have seen a similar video. I would have the nerve to do this! Thanks for sharing, Izzy…love you.
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August 26, 2014 at 10:22 pm
It’s a great song, Gayle. It has such a spiritually uplifting feeling as you hear it. There were many videos on Free Hugs but the song in this one made me select it. Glad you enjoyed it even with the tears.
Hugs for a Happy Week !!!! 😘
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August 27, 2014 at 3:12 am
Happy Hugs back to you, Izzy! Forgot to say how much I love that hugging tree…what a sweet idea for a garden…love those air plants. xoxo
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August 26, 2014 at 5:20 pm
Fabulous idea if one has the nerve to do it… 😉
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August 26, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Yes, it can be a bit intimidating, I’m sure. No one wants to be rejected.
I’m suppose many people did and perhaps, in a not-so-nice way.
Hugs to You for a Happy Week !!!! 😊
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