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

​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. 

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.