Time to Emerge!
And reconnect…
Hello to all!
Have you ever had the feeling that your winters often rhymed with hibernation, well for myself it has been a feeling that was pretty much constant for a good part of 2019?
Often when going through periods dealing with emotions, you can feel like all is gone or nothing can bring you joy or happiness. My thought of this is that emotions are often like a river or the sea the tide is often high as it is low.
As I have been sharing on social media post or videos, healing is part of my journey, so in January I decided to emerge from the cocoon and embrace mothering myself, being a little selfish and allowing myself to receive the joy and happiness I deserve.
All in all, it’s work in progress…
In part of this healing adventure I am on, I decided to experience different ways to find peace and calm, but also to get restorative energy.
I was drawn to Forest Bathing and was curious about this Japanese practice called Shinrin-Yoku (which means spending more time around trees). A mindful practice of contemplating quietly trees and being in nature connecting deeply to our surrounding. It is proven to reduce stress levels and depression but also boost energy levels.
You must be open minded and allow yourself to be immersed in the process. And no, it is not about getting rid of your clothes and running around naked in the forest (lol).
Allow me to talk to you about my experience of Forest Bathing with the lovely and insightful Natural Connector, Deborah.
Before meeting I got a little message from Deborah, letting me know how the day was going to go and what to prepare which was great because it allowed me to mentally prepare for the experience.
I spent the week talking it over with my friends, colleagues and anyone interested to listen in my excited plethora of information on Forest Bathing, well at least what I had googled.
On the Sunday morning, as I set out to leave my house, I glimpsed at my husband’s inquisitive gaze, I laughed and left with butterflies in my stomach.
We all met at the intersection beginning of the Forest, we were a good group of about 10 to 15 people I guess, and we all seemed excited even in the cold weather.
Deborah introduced us to the concept and what sticked with me at the time is when she said the Forest bathing was like “Yoga through Nature”. The journey lasted about 3 hours and it was broken down with activities and silenced wonderings. Deborah knew every nooks and crannies and guided us with a safe and caring manner.
The activities we did all along aligned with our existential beings, through the five elements of nature, Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.
I felt so many feelings on the emotional spectrum, I was projected back to childhood as I rediscovered the intensity of energy within the forest. Not only I emerged but I reconnected with myself at a deeper level.
The birds singing, their callings, the breeze against my cheekbones and the refreshing scent of the soil, all like a grounding element that had gone missing in my life.
This experience allowed me to be generous with my emotions without limits taking my body to a calmer place of pure bliss and love.
If you ever feel like you want to try Forest Bathing, which I would highly recommend why not join Deborah, and prepare yourself to receive a discharge of joy and delight.
Until next time, prioritise your self-care.
Patience