Every year I take the first week or two off and I go to the woods. My healing place. Prior to my move I lived in the woods, on a beautiful plot of earth that couldn't even grow grass because there were so many trees. NO LAWN TO CUT!
When I told my friends I was moving from the City of Columbus, Ohio to the country, many were asking why. It came as no surprise to some as I spent way too much $$ on weekend cabins in those woods! Although I loved the city, the nights with friends and all of the human interaction, the woods was calling.
I FOUND MYSELF THERE. I found me. Unattached. Unattached to nightlife (as it wasn't so easy to jump in a cab), unattached to men, unattached to the constant movement, unattached to status, unattached to running away. I found myself and my peace in that woods. I found God. I heard God. I listened. I realized my passions. I embraced myself in that woods. I embraced my independence, my happiness, my creativity, my love of people, my friendships and my soul in that woods. I realized what I wanted to do with my life and started embracing the path to make that happen.
So it is no wonder I need the first week or two of each year to go back and reclaim myself. To wander, to listen, to pray, to connect. There is some amazing connection when you spend time in the woods. Almost no separation between the two, as you become one. Stress leaves, breath deepens, energy balances and peace is restored.
So at no surprise I have been seeing more and more studies pop up on forest-therapy and measured cases of lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is involved in blood pressure and immune system function. I read a quote that said something like "spending time in the forest induces a state of physiological relaxation."
Qing Li, a researcher of environmental medicine and professor in Tokyo, discovered that trees and plants emit aromatic compounds that spur healthy biological changes. So part of the study showed that when you stay the night in the forest you experience changes in your blood that are associated with better immunity, lower cancer risk and lower blood pressure.
The need for direct contact with the natural world is imperative to our health and vitality. The more we resonate with nature, the more we awaken; the more we awaken, the more we slow down to listen to nature, and ultimately to ourselves.
Nature is our teacher. Our need for nature is physical, emotional, spiritual and biological. It nourishes our body, mind and soul.
Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming "Forest Bathing" events. Our favorites are winter hikes SO if there are any of you craving a winter "get away" let us know at amy@amysanzonewellness.com
“If you want to be more active, more relaxed, happier and healthier, you need to come close to nature.” - Qing Li
Peace, Love and Blessings,
Amy Sanzone
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