I love a misty/foggy day, especially when it’s relatively cool outside. We recently spent a few days in Waynesville, NC – where we spent some much needed time away from devices and pretty much every other distraction. This photo captures the serene beauty of the day. No sunshine. #woohoo A nice thick fog blanketed pretty much everything. There was mist at times and a short thunderstorm one evening 💛- we fell asleep listening to the rain. #perfection What a treat! There is scientific evidence to prove that forest bathing is good for you… (Click to read the article).

Forest Bathing. You may have heard me talk about it in previous posts. If we could all fit 20 minutes into our busy schedules, life would be much less stressful. When you read about Forest Bathing, it’s clear – the importance of being outdoors, taking in the sights, scents and sounds can relax you like nothing else. If you can find a wonderful place to take a walk, or even sit quietly just absorbing all nature has to offer – you’ll feel the tension release and your shoulders will go down. It’s not hooey, it’s a fact – that taking in the outdoors (minus devices, beeping noises, etc.) can relieve stress. I love lazy days when I can sit in a chair outside and watch the clouds float by. Here is some good information from Kaiser Permanente.

Our first exposure to Forest Bathing was on our first trip the The Swag in Waynesville, NC. We took a hike with one of their Experts in Residence, Steven Reinhold from The Appalachian Adventure Company (AAC). If you’re in the North Carolina area, I highly suggest taking the AAC 4 hour Forest Bathing hike. Details are on their website, click HERE. Read more about the people behind The AAC – they’re super cool, so full of interesting information, history and are great to be around!

If I remember right, a group of us headed out, through the garden at The Swag. Steven pointed out several plants that smelled absolutely heavenly. He would tear off a small piece of this or that so you could take a moment and breathe in the scent. Think about it – look around you at such beauty it makes your head spin. Listen for the sounds of the birds and just the silence in the mountains – it has a calming sound to it. Take time to take it all in. As we headed out on our hike, we took it slow and took time to look at the little things. I was skeptical, but quickly became a fan. Steven had a book that he showed us (that I bought my husband for Christmas that year) it’s called The Joy of Forest Bathing: Reconnect With Wild Places & Rejuvenate Your Life (Vol. 4) – Check it out!

It was a great hike, fabulous company – we learned a lot and also had a very relaxing experience. I couldn’t recommend it more (or any of Steven’s/AAC’s hikes or excursions)!

🌲 Until next time…