Ten nature-inspired practices to de-stress
Wellbeing Tourism

It’s a crazy week. Everything has to be PERFECT, on-time, on budget – or on credit card! We are on auto-pilot. We cannot unplug. I incorporate small, daily self-care habits to ensure that I am at my optimum — emotionally, physically and mentally. I’m sharing these ideas so that you, too, can take a little time […]

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If you ever feel lost, find yourself in nature
Shinrin-yoku pleasures

I have found ‘nature’ to be one of the common denominators in people’s healing journey. Physical healing aside, the natural world is where we have always gone in times of celebration and grief. It’s a place to find peace and wisdom. We all know intuitively that nature provides healing, refuge, peace and clarity. Is this […]

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Forest Therapy: A mindful walk in the woods to de-stress
tree root

On a cold and gloomy Sunday morning, my group of friends stood in a circle under a gum tree, looking at me with slight curiosity. I had led many hikes with them in various beautiful places in Victoria. But Forest Therapy? In my introduction, I explained that Forest Therapy derives from the Japanese “Shinrin-yoku;” the […]

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Little Raven
raven and wagtail

I am bothered by this noisy little thing fluttering around me. Its mate now joins in to pester me. I am four times their size, but they persist. All I want is to pick at this this tree, hoping to find something tasty for dinner. But they will not stop. Now this woman passes by. […]

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A rainy day in summer
rainy day Shinrin-yoku

Last night a huge thunderstorm swept across Melbourne. As showers continued into the day, I decided to go to my sit spot. The little purple flowers were drenched in rain, the droplets glistening as they held on to the stems. The streams were full again, ducks happily swam along the creek. As I walked across […]

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Take a relaxing “Forest bathing” walk close to Melbourne – Toolangi
forest wind sculpture

Every weekend, I check out the best spots in close proximity to Melbourne for stressed-out city dwellers to escape to and experience forest bathing or ‘taking in the medicine of the forest’. Recently, as I drove through the beautiful Yarra Valley with my friend Richard, I realized how lucky we Melbournians are to have such […]

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Find a quiet place in nature and notice…

It’s now quiet. I notice a butterfly and another and another… vigorous flight over the tall grass alongside the creek. All the sounds of the birds are quietening, as the sun’s rays, and heat, penetrate through the tree canopy. Morning gives way to a sunny afternoon. It had been a long, wet winter. Sitting here […]

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