A self-proclaimed "ecosexual" named Sonja Semyonova has taken her love for nature to unparalleled levels by confessing an intense infatuation with an oak tree. This unconventional bond, she claims, fills her with what she describes as "erotic energy." At 45, Semyonova is not just a nature enthusiast but a self-intimacy guide and "somatic sex educator in training," adding layers to her unique connection with the environment.
Semyonova's journey into ecosexuality began when she relocated to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in the winter of 2020. During her daily nature strolls in lockdown, she encountered a giant oak tree that would become the focal point of her unusual affection. Reflecting on this initial connection, she expressed, "I was walking a path near the tree five days a week for the whole winter. I noticed a connection with the tree. I would lie against it."
As the seasons shifted, so did the nature of Semyonova's relationship with the oak tree. By the summer of 2021, what started as a connection morphed into what she describes as "erotic feelings" for the mighty hardwood. She finds pleasure in the "feeling of being tiny and supported by something so solid" and the unique sensation of "not being able to fall."
While her unconventional romance with the oak tree might raise eyebrows, Semyonova emphasized that her love for nature, particularly this specific tree, transcends connections with people. Expressing dissatisfaction with traditional human relationships, she explained, "The presence I feel with the tree is what I'm looking for, but that's a fantasy with a person. I had been craving that rush of erotic energy that comes when you meet a new partner, and that is not sustainable."
Despite the provocative nature of her experiences, Semyonova clarified that her connection with the tree remains a mental and emotional one, explicitly stating that there is no physical engagement. She aimed to dispel misconceptions surrounding ecosexuality, emphasizing that it's not about physical intimacy between humans and nature but rather a unique way to explore the erotic.
"To watch the changing of the seasons is, to me, an erotic act," she explained. "You go from death in winter, and then everything comes alive in spring and mates." Semyonova's narrative, while undoubtedly unconventional, invites contemplation on the intersection of sensuality, nature, and personal connections. Her story serves as a unique lens through which to explore the diverse ways individuals can form profound bonds with the natural world, challenging traditional notions of human relationships and intimacy.
