We are completely dependent on nature, surrounded by it, fed by it. We are nature, in every possible sense of the word.
Yet, many of us have become so very disconnected from nature. And we are suffering because of it.
Human beings are inextricably intertwined with the natural world. Our bodies, our food, our clothing, our furniture, our medicine, even our money; all come from nature. Reduced to its origins, all are a combination of elements, plants, animals, and natural materials…earth, wind, fire, water, trees, herbs, seeds, iron, copper, wood, sunshine, rain.
Nature is healing for the body, heart, and spirit. There is tons of research to support this. Beyond that, we all know it; we are animals too and living alongside nature is in our bones.
We slow down in nature. We breathe easier. Our nervous systems calm. Our stress levels drop.
We remember, on a cellular level, that we too are wild, sun-powered, moon-governed, and alive.
Surrounded by water, trees, and birdsong, we hear ourselves again.
In an age where we are constantly connected to screens, podcasts, video reels, and so much other external stimuli, it becomes profoundly necessary to create space where you disconnect from all the outside noise, tune into what’s alive inside you, and allow your heart and spirit to speak.
If this sounds like something you need or crave but cannot take a few months off to hike the Appalachian Trail, a Forest Therapy walk, or Forest Bathing, might be for you. Developed in Japan to help heal the population once folks began moving out of the countryside into the cities, it is a beautiful, healing practice that reconnects us to ourselves, each other, and the natural world.
During the walk, we drop out of our heads into our hearts and our senses. Through guided invitations and shares, we explore, play, wander, and connect.
If you are in the NY/NJ area, you are so welcome to join me on a guided Forest Walk this summer!
If you are further away, I encourage you to find a Forest Bathing experience near you, learn more about it (there are lots of books and online info), or just get out to spend some heart-centered time in nature.
Let yourself wander, get lost, float, sit by a tree, balance on a log, put your feet in the soil...not because it's another thing to do, but because it is beautiful to just be.
With so much nature love,
Irena
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