Monday, February 19, 2018

Shinrin-Yoku [Forest Bathing]

So how many of you have heard of this?  I read an article about it a little over a year ago and purchased a little booklet on how to go about it...I've found that I really didn't need the booklet, nature was my teacher, all along!  My last post was about not being able to find any good blogs or articles geared towards us [insert throat clearing] maturing ladies!  I mean, how many of us are going to start doing CrossFit or Kick-Boxing?  Really?  Not me!  But, I do know the benefits of some type of daily exercise --- how good it is for us...as well as Vitamin D!  So, "forest bathing" --- what the Japanese call "Shinrin-Yoku" is not new...it's been around forever!  It's basically just the daily practice, or at least weekly, or how ever often you can get into the woods, of "bathing" in nature...letting the sights and sounds of the forest take over and you just sit and listen and take it in.  And I just read this article today about "How Being In The Forest Actually Boosts Immunity, According to Science" --- I mean, SCIENCE!!  Who argues with Science!
When you breathe in the woods, you are inhaling a cocktail of bioactive substances released by plants. One of these groups of substances is called terpenes. They're usually emitted from leaves, pine needles, tree trunks, and the thick bark of some trees. We absorb these gaseous terpenes partially through our skin, but especially through the lungs. Terpenes also flow out of bushes, herbs, and shrubs among the understory, along with mushrooms, mosses, and ferns, too. Even thin layers of foliage on the forest floor emit them. So, safe to say, if you're outside and can see any sort of tree material, you're getting a dose of terpenes."
--- and it's so true!  The above photo was me today, sitting in the forest, next to my little pond, having my coffee and soaking up the sunshine.  It's hard to stay mad, sad, or disgruntled, when you can listen to the birds singing and the breeze blowing and watch the squirrels foraging for acorns, or whatever else they are looking for this time of year.  
"Forest bathing has also been found to enhance something called natural killer cells, another defense against diseases like cancer. Those who spend merely one day in the forest will have more natural killer cells in their blood for seven days thereafter. Those who are in the woods for two or three days have elevated levels for another 30 days. It's incredible to think that we get these long-lasting health benefits simply by existing in the woods. We don't have to go on a trail run or rigorous hike (though those things are great too); just breathing and being in communion with trees is enough."
And, if you're lucky, you might even find a little pond full of frog eggs...like mine is, right now!
And this time of year, you are bound to find some wildflowers popping up
So get out there!  Take in some nature, breath in some fresh air and listen to the birds singing!  You'll be glad you did!  And please, share your experience with me!  I would love to hear about it!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." ~ Proverb

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Are we too old for blogs?

Probably most of you, like me, subscribe to numerous blogs and podcasts that fill our inboxes every morning with hints, tips and smart advice.  I don't know about you, but lately I'm feeling really old when I read most of the posts...these days it seems like all of them are written by much younger women that give advice on motherhood, menstrual cycles, clothing that I could never fit in ever again in this lifetime and shoes that have heels so high I could literally kiss the Moon while wearing them.  
[photo of the full Moon lunar eclipse Wednesday morning]

And really strange and uncomfortable looking furniture.  And plants literally ALL OVER the place [looks like a freaking atrium].  Don't get me wrong, I love plants too, but I mean, really!  And makeup and hair products geared towards 30 somethings. And how to make baby food and how to land the perfect job [I already know how to do that ~ lol].  Where are blogs for older women...like me?  I need to read about how to keep from igniting under the sheets every night at 1 o'clock am.  I need to read about the most comfortable underwear for women over 50...and I'm not talking about revamped thongs for older broads!  I need to read about comfortable, practical shoes and clothing for women over 50 [and shoes that don't look orthopedic].  I need to read about practical yoga positions and poses that don't involve animals or standing on my hands.  I need to read about bathing suits, and hair products and REAL food that don't give me stomach-aches...for women over 50!  Where are these blogs?  Have I just not run across them yet, or am I just getting too old for blogs [insert long sigh].  Please leave me a comment here if you know of any blogs geared towards us "Queen Mothers" over 50!  And yes, we have earned that title, ladies!   And I'm thinking I might just start my own "Queen Mother" blog about these real issues!  What do you think [sipping prune juice while typing]?  

Leave your comments here and I will be sending a special prize to the person that links me to an awesome new blog for "Queen Mothers"

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"Stuff your eyes with wonder...live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds.  See the world...it's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories." ~ Ray Bradbury