Dispatch O3

I’m currently writing this from my living room floor. I have beeswax candles burning, a “cozy hut ambience” fireplace YouTube video going on the tv, a pot of Chamomile tea, and I’m listening to a mix featuring “Rain” by Walter Wanderley while I finish my herbalism homework for the week.

We’ve had rain, clouds, and very brief bursts of sunlight this past week with more of this moody English countryside weather on the horizon. (The garden is thrilled - Milky Oats are shooting up!) The sunny + warm to cloudy + cold undulation of Spring can equally inspire us and “bring stuff up.” It’s beneficial to spend some time considering what we want to clean out, welcome in, and let go of.

This Spring I’m working on reducing stress. As humans we are taking on more than ever before. We have become increasingly accustomed to being overloaded everyday. Incorporating simple rituals for calming down, creating a moment of pause, and being present for just 20 minutes a day can work wonders on our nervous system. Below are two popular Japanese methods of easing off the gas pedal.

A summarized excerpt from my herbalism teacher’s book Body into Balance.

Forest Bathing
The Forest Agency of Japan introduced this concept in 1982. Studies have since found that walking, meditating, exercising, and playing among the trees in a forest environment actually amplifies the benefits of these activities.

Gazing at Vistas
Another study found that simply staring at a natural vista for 20 minutes decreased stress hormones by 13 percent. The effects were increased if the landscape included a view of water such as a lake, pond, or river.

Other benefits of Forest Bathing + Vista Gazing
Improved cardiovascular health, reduced levels of cortisol, improved mood and self esteem, decreased stress resulting in fewer symptoms of depression, reduced brain fatigue, improved cognition, focus and creativity.

Sunny days are on the horizon in the Hudson Valley. In the meantime, enjoying a cup of tea while looking out the window is an easy ritual. Feel the warmth of the cup in your hands and enjoy the fragrant notes of the herbs on your nose. This is a fantastic way to connect with both the plants you’re drinking and those around you - maybe while considering all the potential springtime has to offer.🌀