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Have you heard about the latest health trend – forest bathing?

6/3/2019

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Mendocino, pacific beach, Forest bathing, natural environment and health, natural environment and stress
​A recent health study out of Japan has coined the phrase "forest bathing" to describe how natural environments improve our health; by lowering stress, improving brain function and helping humans feel more alive. 
 
Yah – I knew that! 
 
I literally crave getting outdoors.  My garden satisfies most days, puttering around and watching things grow.  But there comes a time when wandering through a forest, dragging my feet through the sand at a beach, or stomping around in the desert becomes LIFE ESSENTIAL!
We just came home from a trip like that.  My husband and I found a “new-to-us” redwood old growth forest far off the beaten path – Montgomery Woods State Reserve in Northern California.  I thought we would never get there on that zig-zagging barely paved road.  But it was well worth the drive!  Some of the tallest trees in the whole world are in this reserve. 
Montgomery Woods State Reserve, mendocino, old growth forests, redwoods, natural environment, health, stress,
Standing in a grove with these ancient giants was breathtaking and exhilarating. It was only about a 2 mile hike – just enough to immerse in the forest without taking all day. 

​I love the atmosphere of old growth forests and this place was thick with it. Sound is muffled by a rich carpet of ferns and sweet smelling mulch. Everywhere you look are fallen trees, branches and stumps that are quite literally using their misfortune and decay to breed a new tree, as only redwoods can do.  I felt a strong sense of ancient majesty as I looked up into the canopy overhead, trying to glimpse the tops of some of the smaller trees. 

​Like a small rural community, every creature seems to know each other’s business and seems quite excited to be the first to announce our presence.  I find that it’s the perfect balance between serenity and a thriving environment teaming with wildlife and lush foliage. 


​For me, these kinds of encounters with nature provide a sacred opportunity to reflect on the flow of life, my place in the world and the priorities I choose to pursue in order to live life to the fullest.  Even remembering being there brings a big smile to my soul.
 
Do you have a favorite place to go for "forest bathing"?  I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.
old growth forest, redwoods, Montgomery Woods State Reserve, northern california, forest bathing
redwoods, old growth forest, medocino, Montgomery Woods, natural environment, health, stress relief, forest bathing
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    Hi!  I'm Becca Farmer and I'm a visual artist. 

    My distinctive artistic voice comes from a deep respect for nature and a keen curiosity for the scientific mechanics of life.

    ​My passion is creating dramatic visual experiences of color, contrast and depth.

    Welcome to my blog!

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