Me & the Trees

Over the weekend, I slipped away to the woods again, turned off the phone, and tuned all the way in. There is something almost sacred about just “being.” No schedule, no destination, no one to call, no to-do list. Just minutes to fill with whatever your soul desires.

For me, that looked like reading a book and napping in the hammock, watching flames dance in the fire, and listening to the way the wind moved the leaves in the trees. It’s easy to forget, in the bustle of city life, our inner beings need to connect with nature. Being close to the source of our breath, the trees, the open sky, the stillness, it’s deeply rejuvenating. I will brave the creepy crawlies, since I am encroaching on their home. And I will embrace the slow roll of sweat on my skin, not from hard work, but from simply existing under the sun.

Turning off the freeway, onto a narrow tree-lined road, I feel the shift. I get giddy and immediately start feel a sense of calm. These weekends are a reset, a pause in life. A pause I actively plan for. On this trip I had the added joy of pitching a new tent (the last one did not survive a very spirited tiny human.) I was too excited about it. And as sweltering as Texas summers can be, I am already looking forward to the next time I can sleep under the trees.

As I write this, I realize I need to have those moments even when I’m in the city. I want to lay on a blanket in the park, watch the clouds drift by, and let the sun kiss my skin without rushing off to the next appointment. We focus heavily on connecting with others, but when was the last time you connected with yourself?

Perhaps this month schedule an hour, or three, just for you. No agenda. No expectations. Just a little time to be with yourself. Sit in the grass, breathe deeper, float in a pool, walk without headphones. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just intentional.

Because life is about balance. And after reconnecting with myself, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with you. Join me for Afternooning, it’s light, it’s nostalgic and filled with people who want to be present too.

Click here for the Afternooning schedule.