Not everyone is blessed with a big backyard. If that resonates with you, I urge you to find a park or some public land close to where you live and make it your sanctuary. Nature is a highly accessible, free resource that can be your one-stop-shop for mental health, fitness and joy. Let me explain…
 
Right now, I’m in awe of my new backyard: Glacier National Park. Before you roll your eyes, know that the tradeoff for these spectacular views means living in less than 200 square feet in my vintage Airstream in a rafting outfitter’s employee parking lot without power, water or sewer hookups. But I’m OK with that because I’m a bicycle ride away from the “Crown of the Continent.” I have more than 700 miles of hiking trails in my new neighborhood, gorgeous turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks to gaze at when I’m walking my dogs. I’m not complaining.
 
My point is, it’s a matter of perspective. The big backyard might come with a hefty mortgage. I’m content with my little postage stamp of a camping spot if it means low rent and easy access to a National Park. It’s not where I’ll stay forever, but it’s already shaping up to be a pretty epic adventure.
 
I’m betting you have some pretty stellar parks within a 15 to 30-minute drive of your house. This summer, I urge you to go out and explore – find your park. When you do, make a point of spending at least one hour per week there. Find a tree, sit with it, and let the healing power of nature soothe your soul.

I would love for you to join me for a remotely guided forest bathing and nature therapy experience on June 3 at 5 p.m. MDT. We'll meet on Zoom, but just long enough to get your instructions and start wandering and exploring the land where you are - hopefully your newfound park or your backyard. I will guide you live from the mountains of northwestern Montana. Click here to register and select "Virtual Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy." This one-hour experience is offered by donation and free to veterans, health care workers and those experiencing financial hardship. To request a scholarship code, email [email protected].
 
Tree hugs and kisses,
Kelly

About the Author
Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide/Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the mountains of northwestern Montana in the summer, and in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina in the winter. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. This article originally appeared in The Swell Life, the official blog of Portfolio Vero Beach Magazine. Photography by Kelly Bruce.

Kids are always encouraged to use their imagination. So why is it, as an adult, I feel as though I get the side-eye when I hypothesize something imaginary? Like the possibility of having a conversation with a tree, a plant, or an animal? Books and movies have imaginary situations and characters – and we love that stuff! We eat it up, binging shows like Game of Thrones for hours on end, enthralled with the lives of dragons.
 
I think it’s a healthy and creative way to dream big and be inspired. Storytelling and art are imaginative. It’s where the magic happens. John Lennon said it best:
 
“You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one.”
 
My forest bathing and nature therapy walks are comprised of a series of invitations. As the word implies, it’s only an invitation, you don’t have to accept. Some invitations will be edgy, but you always have a choice. I encourage you to embrace what’s pleasurable and consider that growth usually occurs when we lean into our edges and get uncomfortable. Here’s an invitation to help flex your imagination muscle next time you’re outside in nature:
 
Imagine that like a tree you have deep roots, reaching down into the earth, creating a strong foundation. These roots are entangled with those of the trees and plants, creating a wood-wide-web of connection, spreading throughout the earth, connecting every continent and every ocean. Imagine that perhaps we can radiate threads of connection through these roots, sending goodness to any person or place, anywhere on earth. And if we can send goodness, we can also receive the goodness that Mother Earth is sending back to us.
 
What are you noticing?
 
What will you imagine – for yourself and for the world? Think about your place in the world. Whose shoulders do you stand on? What do you stand for? What serves you and the greater good? What doesn’t? Try something outside of your comfort zone. Lean against your edges. Nobody grows without risk or by playing it safe.

Tree hugs and kisses,
Kelly

About the Author
Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide/Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. This article originally appeared in The Swell Life, the official blog of Portfolio Vero Beach Magazine. Photography by @zailaffitte.

We’re always rushing around, packing too much into our already busy lives. When we finally have a moment to pause, we find our necks craned, scrolling mindlessly through our phones. It’s no wonder anxiety levels are through the roof! I have a proposal for you: slow the f&@# down! There’s nothing like being fully present in the moment to bring peace and calm to your life.
 
If you’re looking for a natural, free way to reduce stress and anxiety, I invite you to go for a slow wander, noticing what’s in motion. Explore your yard, your neighborhood, or simply sit on your porch or balcony for 15 to 20 minutes. Scan the scenery around you, looking for motion. Your mind will probably drift, and that’s OK. When it does, turn your attention back to your breath and what’s in motion.
 
If you’re going for a stroll, slow your roll. This quote beautifully illustrates the ideal pace for this mindful invitation:

“When we walk like (we are rushing), we print anxiety and sorrow on the earth.
We have to walk in a way that we only print peace and serenity on the earth...
Be aware of the contact between your feet and the earth.
Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.”
 ― Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, spiritual leader, poet and peace activist

If you see something interesting, take time to be with it. Explore how the wind blows the clouds and makes the trees sway; let your gaze follow the birds and bees; examine a flower closely. Activities like this bring us into the present moment and fill us with wonder and awe for all the things we usually speed right by. I wonder what you’ll discover in your own backyard!

Tree hugs and kisses,
Kelly

About the Author
Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide/Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. This article originally appeared in The Swell Life, the official blog of Portfolio Vero Beach Magazine. Photography by @zailaffitte.

Everyone needs a TFF, like a BFF (best friend forever), but it’s your TREE friend forever. I know this probably sounds woo woo, but hear me out!
 
You already have a wonderful reciprocal relationship with trees, whether you pay much attention to it or not. They emit the oxygen you breathe, and you exhale the carbon dioxide that they need. Trees sequester carbon, so consider for a moment that they can also hold space for us, bearing witness without judgement. The next time you have a deep question, a conundrum, or you simply need a confidant to share with, try talking to a tree.
 
Perhaps you already have a special tree in your life - one that holds a special place in your heart, one that grows on a piece of land you’re fond of, or one you’re simply drawn to. Try to spend at least 30 minutes a week with your TFF. It can be broken into smaller increments if need be. You can lean against your tree, lay underneath it, or sit far enough away where you can admire it completely. You might even try hugging your TFF… whatever feels right to you.

Tree hugs and kisses,
Kelly

About the Author
Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide/Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. This article originally appeared in The Swell Life, the official blog of Portfolio Vero Beach Magazine. Photography by @zailaffitte.