It has been proved that patients in hospital get better faster, feel less pain and go home quicker if there are trees outside the windows of their rooms. Spiritual and religious teachers for many years have been telling their students to learn from trees, to notice their stillness and strength and try to imitate it. It is true that trees absorb enormous amounts of energy from the sun - more than any other living thing. And some people believe that you can feel this energy if you choose a tree that you feel attracted to, put your arms around it and stay there holding it for a while. This 'tree-hugging' is believed to be good for stress, make you sleep better, and help you to feel more positive and calm. And more and more people are doing it. The Irish politician Gerry Adams recently told a journalist that he regularly hugged trees. He said that it gave him a sense of calm and strength. We all know that trees are essential for the environment and the survival of our planet. Perhaps they have even more to offer us in the future.