ABSTRACT
Trees are associated with generative and often restorative associations including balance, alignment, rhythms and cycles, loss, and resilience. Trees remind us of the natural elements of growth. Working creatively with tree and nature images as well as associated metaphors sparks significant and sometimes evocative memories that, when given time and space, galvanize right-brain thinking, allowing exploration of issues and themes from a more organic and intuitive perspective. The reflective and intuitive approach of this exercise means it can be applied to almost any creative block, challenge, or dilemma. A short free-writing exercise around an early tree or nature memory can help individuals warm up. Let participants know not to worry about grammar or punctuation, so that this does not add to the feeling of being creatively blocked. The prompts are a guide but not mandatory.
