Nature Walks

Photo by: Sergei Akulich @sakulich

Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku or “forest bathing.” Forest Therapy is known to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, decreased anxiety, depression and fatigue among many other positive improvements.

Certified Forest Therapy Guide and mental health nurse, Sharon Lohse, created Mindful In Nature offering horticulture therapy using items found in nature to create art along with forest therapy events in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Having participated in one of Sharon’s Forest Therapy events, I have to say that it was a memorable and impactful two and half hours. Sharon shared techniques on experiencing nature in new ways, slowing down, observing details in trees and listening with “deer ears.” The event ended with a tea ceremony and delicious snacks made by Sharon. I think about this day often and how it deepened my experience and time spent in nature. Thank you Sharon for creating this healing event.

Sharon Lohse, creator of Mindful In Nature (This photo is from the Mindful In Nature website)

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

This weekend attend a social event! Visit a local winery, live music, or go on a food tasting tour. If none of those interest you, then make a picnic of your favorite healthy snack and head to a local park or the closest beach. Spend time outside with friends or go alone and make some new friends.

May your weekend be filled with laughter, joy and new experiences!

Photo by: Kym Ellis @kymellis

Photo by: Merritt Thomas @merrittthomas

Photo by: Katie Montgomery @katiemont

Build a Bonfire

Photo by: Kyle Peyton @kylepyt

Backyard bonfire to heal a mending heart! Write a letter to someone who has hurt you or to someone you’ve hurt. Pour your guts into this letter, they will never see it. You can include some fond memories along with the hard lessons they taught you at the expense of your sanity, finances and much more. Then, carefully place the letter into the fire. As you do this, imagine all of the sadness and heartache described in your letter leaving your body and going into the fire on the pulp it rests upon. To truly let go of these attachments and trauma bonds, it’s important to have a ceremonious ritual to cement the process of letting go into your memory. If you’re writing to people in your past to whom you’ve harmed, ask for forgiveness and then get used to the idea of forgiving yourself. You cannot live your life in a holding pattern while someone decides if you’re eligible for forgiveness. They are not superior to you so you need to forgive youself and them for the pain that was exchanged. These experiences taught you valuable lessons you cannot unlearn. The best way to honor this realization is to never repeat that pattern again. This moment can become a commitment ceremony to yourself. Make promises to who you are and who you wish to become in the future. Love yourself wholeheartedly and unconditionally. You are worth it!

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*Please practice fire safety with a fire extinguisher handy and access to a water source. If this is your first time building slowly and maintain the flames by adding dry wood when needed.

Try Something New

Photo by: Berkay Gumustekin @berkaygumustekin

Puppy Yoga, Goat Yoga and BrewAsana integrate special interest with yoga postures. Some puppy yoga or Doga classes are can be an opportunity for pet adoption organizations to find homes for the many puppies that need them while others are for bringing your own dog to a yoga class. Goat yoga allows goats to do their little goat thing and jump on your back while you’re adjusting your down dog posture. Now, BrewAsana involves getting to drink a pint of beer between poses. BrewAsana classes may also be held at a brewery and include a tour and tasting. There are yoga concepts to fit most interests and hobbies so there is no excuse for not trying yoga. Who knows, maybe you will create the next wacky yoga class craze.

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

Create an itinerary of your dream vacation, staycation or retreat. Block time for organic fun and unexpected adventure. Create a non-negotiable budget that you’re comfortable with a cushion for unforeseen or emergency expenses. This amount will vary based on the destination and mode of transportation. If the budget is tights consider day trips in your own city or state. Every state has something beautiful to offer and chances are that you have explored your entire state. It can be fun to be a local-ish tourist. Maybe dust off an old functioning camera and capture views in a new light. Keep a journal of each day’s adventures with a log of restaurants and favorite meals. This can be very helpful when you’re passing along recommendations to someone else. Finally, bring your wellness practices on your trip to stay present in each moment and to keep your body and mind aligned.

Photo by: Dino Reicgmuth @dinoreichmuth