Breathe ...

“Autumn is the season to find contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have.” — Unknown

Oh, boy—I don’t know about you all, but I am ready for a change. Change of temperature, change of recipes to enjoy the fall bounty of my CSA and especially a change in my mind-set.

What better time to take stock of what matters in life than during autumn, a season that brings so much beauty. The next few months will explode with colors as the leaves change, inviting an opportunity for each of us to take a step back, take a deep breath (or two, or three … ) and find contentment and gratitude for what we already have.

With the Delta variant bringing a new wave of fear, we once again find ourselves wary of being in crowded events. Why not take this opportunity to try forest bathing? Forest bathing and forest therapy (known in Japanese as shinrin-yoku) broadly means taking in, with all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.

Forest bathing takes place at a slow, almost meditative pace. Take your time and look around as you stroll along a forest path. Engage your senses and observe your surroundings. Stop every once in a while to simply sit or to look up and all around.

Our region offers a multitude of outside options to soak in the season and center our minds on all that is good in our lives. Looking for options? Try a park near you at parks.ky.gov. Enjoy the experience!

Ann Curtis, Managing Editor