The prescription for the next few months is PLAY…spending time doing things that are enjoyable, with enjoyable people. Summer is a vital time to recharge, to breath some fresh air, attune to nature, and lighten up.
Life is humming, and when we spend time outdoors in the natural elements we absorb the vitality of the season. By being in nature, we reconnect to our essential nature, to our clay (as the late John O’Donohue would say) as our body attunes to the robin’s song, warm breezes playing in the birch trees, the scent of flowers in bloom, the sun lingering well into the evening. And, if we are lucky, we rediscover the undomesticated, intuitive, and passionate part of ourselves. Even on work days, consider having your morning coffee, tea, or meditation outdoors.
The practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest was introduced by the Forest Agency in Japan in the 1980’s, and has been the topic of extensive study. Walking under the forest canopy has been found to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. In a nutshell, the phytoncides emitted by evergreen trees contributes to the effect of spending time walking in a forest, and engaging all the senses. Not on the phone, or with your headset on. Just taking in nature and all the green energy.
Taking in the forest air was a tuberculosis treatment in the mid to late 1800’s in Germany’s pine forests, and the Adirondacks here in the USA. Mother Earth News published an article that goes into more detail.
“May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.” John O’Donohue
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