Grounding Tree Meditation Inspired by the Forest of Fontainebleau

Slow down time, feel grounded, and reset with this nature-focused meditation inspired by Théodore Rousseau’s mid-19th-century painting Forest of Fontainebleau, Cluster of Tall Trees Overlooking the Plain of Clair-Bois at the Edge of Bas-Bréau (about 1849–52).

Rousseau was drawn to the French countryside—so much so that he moved from Paris to Barbizon, a town outside the city and on the edge of the Forest of Fontainebleau. He spent countless hours in the forest drawing and painting outdoors, or en plein aire. Its ancient trees held a particular fascination for the artist. Resisting the growing complexity and artificiality of urban life, Rousseau sought to capture, preserve, and co‑exist with the natural environment.

Inspired by Rousseau, reconnect with nature and root yourself into the present moment with this grounding tree meditation.

This podcast uses chapters. If you'd like to jump straight to the meditation, find the forth chapter.

Find images, a transcript, and more resources on our website: https://www.getty.edu/podcasts/ommm/grounding-tree-meditation-forest-of-fontainebleau/

See the painting in person at the Getty Center: https://www.getty.edu/visit/

How can we reconnect with nature? Hear bioartist and landscape designer Aroussiak Gabrielian share her approach in your podcast feed or on our YouTube channel Thursday, or find it on our website.

Production team:

Host: Lilit Sadoyan

Producers: Zoe Goldman and Gideon Brower

Video Editor: Jeremy Rhodes

Mixer and Sound Designer: Jaime Roque

Executive Producer: Christopher Sprinkle



For more art history insights, check out our other Getty Podcasts shows at www.getty.edu/podcasts

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ReCurrent chronicles the people who shape our culture and keep the past alive: https://www.getty.edu/podcasts/recurrent/

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