05/07/2026
Since I was a child I have loved being outside in nature, running around barefoot collecting rocks, lying on my back watching the clouds for hours…while I love all nature, I have always been specifically drawn to trees.
Something in my body shifts when I’m around them. When I’m with the trees I notice how my breath changes, my mind gets quieter and I feel more present and connected to myself.
And as I got older and the more I’ve studied the nervous system and our connection to nature itself, the more sense that makes why.
Trees release compounds called phytoncides, which research has shown can lower cortisol, support immune function, and increase parasympathetic nervous system(our rest and digest) activity.
Studies have also shown that being around trees can improve heart rate variability, which is connected to the body’s ability to adapt to stress and recover more efficiently(building nervous system resilience.)
And trees have been one of my greatest teachers. Might sound strange to some but when you observe trees and nature there is so much to learn from them!
A few things treee have shown me is:
How to stay rooted without becoming rigid.
How to bend without breaking.
How to take up space naturally instead of forcefully.
How growth can be slow and still be powerful.
So even before I ever understood the science, I just knew my body felt different around trees.
I am more present.
I have more clarity. (Some of my best ideas/insights have been sitting in a tree)
I feel more grounded and settled.
I feel so much like myself. I am able to see the innate connection between us and nature! We are nature!
And because I love it so much, of course I love to share these experiences with others. I’m hosting a forest bathing walk on May 24th for people wanting to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and spend intentional time in nature and with the body.
Let me know if you want to come hang out with me and hug some trees!🌲 💚
I love you!🫶🏼