Take a relaxing “Forest bathing” walk close to Melbourne – Toolangi
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 lush forests in close proximity to the city. Forest like these offer a wonderful healing experience – if only we visit more often! And I’ve picked up some interesting facts to share: To experience a very relaxing and healing forest bathing experience, I would recommend parking at the Forest Discovery Center, and stepping inside to see the lovely works of art inspired by nature. Switch off your mobile ☺. Then, step outside for a gentle stroll around the Toolangi Sculpture Trail. Stop to admire and read the history and story behind each ephemeral and permanent sculpture that reflects the artist’s environmental concerns and explorations of nature. The Yea River Walk opposite the center is ideal for a real forest immersion experience. It is an easy one-hour walk which passes through Messmate, Narrow Leafed Peppermint, Mountain Grey Gum forest and Mountain Ash forest. The Yea River is full of aquatic life including platypus and many fish species. The viewing platform provides an excellent vantage point to see the river. It’s so relaxing to walk at Toolangi State Forest. If you need to de-stress, get away from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne CBD or just need some time out to relax, please join me for a guided Forest Bathing Walk at the Toolangi Forest. If you like, please have a look when next we offer a guided walk at this magnificent and healthy natural environment and other locations close to Melbourne.
A rainy day in summer
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 the grass path, I saw this little flower. A lonely flower, a beauty in lilac with drops of rain on its delicate petals. It reminded me of a poem I once read online: Another day, another hourUntil I walk past a lonely flower.I stare at its beauty and its graceThat’s when I realize, I slowed my pace.The flower enjoys the wind and sunLets itself be, and defined by no one.It takes each day as it comes and goesProud to display what it has to show.Thankful for the sunlight of every dayand open to acceptance of the harsh rain. As I walk along the creek, I breathe in the strong scent of the earth and the eucalyptus trees. This smell inspired two Australian scientists to coin the word “petrichor”. It’s a beautiful word to suggest that humans inherited an affection for the smell from ancestors who relied on rainy weather for their survival. The rain reminds me that everything, every living thing on Earth, needs water to survive. I hope it rains every now and then in summer.
Little Raven
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. At first she looks concerned. Maybe she thinks I’m attacking their nest. But, as she moves closer, she realizes I’m just pecking at the wood, trying to get this grub. She stands and watches in amusement. Well, I’m not amused. I am too tired to fly. I just walk across the pathway, trying to avoid this persistent pest of a bird. The woman is still watching. She seems concerned; ‘why doesn’t the raven just fly away?’ Yes, I’ve had enough. I need my peace and quiet.
Cultivate Self-Care: Embrace these 10 Daily Rituals for a Balanced Life
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s all too easy to forget to take care of ourselves. Yet, by incorporating small, daily self-care habits, we can ensure that we are at our optimum—emotionally, physically, and mentally. These moments of mindfulness are essential for reconnecting with ourselves and finding balance in our hectic world. I’m happy to share some simple yet impactful ideas to help you carve out a little time for yourself each day. You deserve it. Start incorporating these steps into your life this week and begin your journey towards a more centered and fulfilled self. Start including these simple steps in your life. Begin this week. Especially this week. 1. Be still. Start a sit spot practice – 10 minutes in your garden. 2. Walk. Take a short walk without your mobile phone – leave it at home. 3. Connect. Walk on grass without your shoes – what do you notice? 4. Relax. Give your body ten minutes of mindful attention – start with relaxing your cheeks, your neck, your shoulders, all the way down to your toes. 5. Breathe. Take ten deep breaths of fresh air – inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth or nose. 6. Savor. Take ten minutes to eat an apple (or fruit of your choice). Chew slowly, noticing the textures, smells and taste. 7. Inhale lavender, peppermint or other sweet smelling herbs or flowers. Relish the aroma and notice the sensations. 8. Read. Find a quiet spot at home or in your garden and read a poem from nature. Sip on your favorite tea. 9. Bathe. Soak yourself in a hot tub with nature infused oils and aromas. 10. Treat. Buy a small nature-inspired luxury as a way of valuing yourself. A plant, recyclable yoga mat, or a Forest Therapy guided walk! With a little bit of attention to your own self-care, you will feel more connected to yourself and the world around you. Incorporating a few of these ideas in your day will help keep you in tune with nature. And that’s always a good thing! Which one will you try first? Here are some links to research which shows that nature experiences provide an antidote to stress and support general wellness, offering restorative experiences that ease the mind and heal the body.
