In Earthlings, we encourage safe tree climbing. The rule of "3 points of contact" is always used, so there must always be three limbs touching the tree at all times (two hands and a foot, two feet and a hand). Tree climbing is beneficial for everyone, and kids especially, for many reasons.
Our distant relatives, the apes, have always climbed trees for necessity, built shelters, and made homes in the trees. Being high above the ground provides safety, a perspective of seeing the space as from aback and away. Nestled in trees, I imagine, was some of the safest that apes had ever felt, away from many ground dwelling predators. Tree limbs also provide excellent modes of stretching- hanging with arms on trees or upside down by the legs provides spinal arm, and hip decompression and stretching. You may have felt the relief from using a hang bar on the arms, back, and hips. I think this is no coincidence.
Climbing is also a mind-body puzzle that places the climber in a high degree of the present moment, where focus on careful placement of limbs is very important, both for safety, and for successfully getting higher. Tree climbing is beneficial for the feet as well, the texture of tree bark on the feet is stimulating and the feet are strengthened and stretched when climbing. Spacial awareness is improved as well.
Besides the many physical benefits to tree climbing, the mind benefits are apparent as well, with building confidence in the body and feeling satisfied from accomplishing a challenge, and feeling bigger and powerful by reaching new heights.
How Tree Climbing Boosts Child Development - Nature's Instruments
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