Forest Bathing; or something like it

Nothing compares to an incredible hike through the forest on a gorgeous October afternoon. This weekend, my two girl friends and I hiked Gowlland Tod Provincial park up to the lookout on Jocelyn Hill. I am embarrassed to admit that this was my first time doing this hike, since I have lived on this island my entire life! The funny thing is that the trailhead is only about a 5-minute drive from my Little Bears property! 
The climb was quite something. I fully admit that I was not expecting such a grueling terrain of ups and downs. At many points, we were hand over foot climbing through arbutus roots and navigating loose rocks. I thought on a few occasions, 'Am I going to make it?" I don't go hiking every weekend, as much as I would love to. Finding time between soccer tournaments and Volleyball games is challenging when you have children involved in high-level sports. Luckily, I had a 5-hour gap between ferry drop-offs and pick-ups, so this hike was perfectly timed.
I was reminded many times during some of the quiet, comfortable silences walking down the narrow path that this is what I "preach!"
Adults and children belong in the forest!
Theres something magical that happens to your soul when you submerge yourself with trees, rock, land, dirt, cobwebs, ferns, and nature!

Our modern, urban world overstimulates our senses and demands our full attention, while a forest environment allows the nervous system to relax and return to a more balanced state. This practice is known as shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing."

Within minutes of our hike, I began to feel less stressed. It's amazing what clean forest air can do for your lungs and your mind. About half an hour into our hike, I felt an overwhelming sensation of being very present with my body. My wandering mind wasn't clouded; it felt sharper and less distracted. I was especially mindful of my senses, the sounds, the smell, the colours! I kept asking myself why I didn't do this more often, and I felt incredibly grateful for my health, which allows me to do exciting climbs like this.

Biophilia: Have you heard of this? I remember researching a little bit on this with my colleague, Kim Atkinson, many moons ago. We talked of the human connection between mushrooms, dirt, and trees, and how fascinating that they all "talked" to each other underground with their roots and their vibrations.
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The "Biophilia hypothesis" suggests that humans have an innate affinity for nature, developed over millennia living in natural environments. Spending time in a forest taps into this deep primeval connection and can feel like "returning home" to our natural surroundings, promoting instinctive relaxation.
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This is a photo from the top of Jocelyn Hill. You can see how high up we actually are.

Jocelyn Hill has an elevation of 1,424 feet or (434 meters), it is the tallest peak in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, which is located in the Highlands area close to Lexie's Little Bears Child Care.

The hike was around 9 km. There was a part that we were able to skip past on our return trip to the car, which my legs were extremely grateful for! I think it took us around 2.5 hours, but we did stop for a while to enjoy the views and catch some sunrays! The rains are coming, which makes hikes like this one quite treacherous. Thankfully, we were gifted with a warm October afternoon, which we cherish more than anything on the island.

I have to say, I thought I would be in a "broken" state today, given the way my legs turned to jelly last night before bed. Perhaps tomorrow, I will eat my words, but I feel great this morning!
What I also feel is a calmness deep within me. The sense of accomplishment is already gratifying, but the endorphins that I released and the dopamine that kicked in yesterday, well, I just feel happier today!
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Research confirms that regularly spending time in the forest provides scientifically backed benefits for both physical and mental health. By offering a restorative environment, forests serve as an effective, accessible, and free antidote to the stresses of modern life. Incorporating more time in nature can help regulate stress hormones, lower blood pressure, restore mental focus, and improve overall mood and well-being.

What else can I say? Get outside, rain or shine! Move your body and breathe that fresh, clean forest air! You will not regret it for a second, and your calm mind will thank you. A huge thank you to my two gorgeous friends who pushed me out of my comfort zone and for sharing this magical space on our beautiful island with me.
Shine on!
With Gratitude,
Lexie