Since the late 1800's, scientists have been proving what I have always known to be true - plants have feelings. They perceive and react to emotional stimuli.
Through the use of polygraph machines attached to plants, scientists were able to show that plants exhibited stress when exposed to the sound of brine shrimp being killed. The plants not exposed to the boiling of these tiny shrimp, showed no sign of distress. [1]
Other research has shown that plants react favorably to positive energy, such as talk, attention, attitude and affection. [2]
All of this research aside, this is just something I know to be true. Plants and trees definitely have feelings. I believe they experience a range of emotions, possess a wealth of wisdom, and can perceive and react to energetic or emotional stimuli.
The energetic field around trees and plants can be seen as an aura. I've seen their auras naturally since I was little, but anyone can learn how. Tree and plant auras are very easy to see, as compared to human auras. So, even if you never thought you could read an aura, you should give it a try.
To see a tree or plant aura:
-Start with a tree or plant that doesn't move in the wind. An indoor houseplant is best to start with.
-A plain background is best. A blue sky or wall. Picking a tree with a forest all around it, takes practice.
-Start by gazing about an inch above your plant. Just let your eyes stay there and your stare go blank.
-You will usually quickly see the energetic outline, or aura, of the plant. It is typically looks like a white or light blue cloud.
-The auras are usually from darker to lighter shades of blue. I sometimes see yellows and oranges.
-Trees are usually more complex in their auras, and they can extend many feet.
For trained energy workers, it is possible to work with these auras. There is healing that can take place here, both for the tree or plant, and for the practitioner.
For me, it is very grounding to do energy work in my garden, with my plants at work and home, or with the trees and forest. Every day, I provide Reiki to each plant in my garden.
If you are a trained Reiki practitioner, you can easily provide your plants Reiki, by cupping their leaves in your hands, or over their roots. You can also give the seeds Reiki, and charge the water you give them with Reiki by running it over your hands.
With Reiki training, you can also look at the plant aura and send Reiki to it in general, or to any areas that you see that need it.
Even without specific training, anyone can, and should, talk to and love their plants. There is much healing to be had there - both for you, and your plants.
Sources:
1. Cleve Backster Primary perception: biocommunication with plants, living foods, and human cells White Rose Millennium Press, 2003 ISBN 0966435435
2. Sir Patrick Geddes (1920). The life and work of Sir Jagadis C. Bose. Longmans, Green.