Forest Bathing: experiencing the healing power of trees

The healing power of trees is so obvious to me now. At a cellular level, I feel refreshed beneath a cool, green canopy. The worries I carry with me seem to disappear into the leaves as I look up. Birds chirp, insects buzz, and animals are heard scurrying around. There is a timelessness in the forest. It provides me with perspective and cleanses my soul. Amid the trees, I feel the stress melt away and time slows down. You could say forests are my happy place.

Last minute trip to Muir Woods

A couple of year’s ago, my husband and I flew to California for a long-planned anniversary trip. Because of a death in the family and a hurricane headed toward home, we only had 48-hours to explore San Francisco and the surrounding area. We walked from one end of the city to the other on day one. On the second day, we looked for something a bit more relaxing. We drove north over the Golden Gate Bridge and headed for Muir Woods which is only about 10 miles north. It was the perfect choice although it didn’t seem so at first.

We arrived to a packed parking lot and spent a while trying to find a spot. At this point, the stress of the trip being shortened, the oppressive heat of the summer day and the frustration of not even being able to park caught up to me. I suggested we just forget it and head to wine country where we had reservations for the night. My husband suggested one more lap around the parking lot and we found a spot.