Forest Bathing, Do the Unexpected, and Fathers Day

Happy Father’s Day

Greetings, from Prince Edward Island!

I am happy to announce that while the temperatures have been on the cool side here in PEI, we seem to be on an upward trend (fingers crossed). We did have cool temperatures earlier this week, but the weekend is shaping up to be a beauty! 

Watching the sun while it cracks the horizon this morning, is a reminder that a great day of promise is beginning.

We hope to welcome many dads to the restaurant this Father’s Day weekend. As a father, I certainly miss our daughters not being at home, but mindful of the circle of life as they are about pursuing dreams and careers. Missing Lauren and Emily.

Over the last few days, we have had carloads of graduating high school students coming to the Gardens of Hope for photographs. And there will be many graduation ceremonies taking place on our Island and beyond.

Speeches delivered by people who have overcome the odds to do something "unexpected" inspire me.  

Everyone knows that Dads love ice cream. If you’re on the Island and you don’t plan to join us for a meal, perhaps Dad would enjoy a scoop or two of ice cream and a stroll through the Gardens of Hope!

Are you thinking about taking a stroll? 

I have been reading lately about "forest bathing," and I find it most intriguing that something I have always known but don't practice enough is studied as a "science" in Japan. 

Shinrin Yoku or "forest bathing" was developed in Japan in the 1980s and brings together ancient ways and wisdom with cutting-edge environmental health science. We can all benefit from this simple practice.

Simply put, forest bathing is the practice of walking slowly through the woods, in no hurry, for a morning, an afternoon or a day. It is a practice that involves all the senses, and as you gently walk and breathe deeply, the essential oils of the trees are absorbed by your body and have an extraordinary effect on positive feelings, stress hormone levels, parasympathetic nervous activity, sympathetic nervous activity, blood pressure, heart rate and brain activity.

How to Enjoy Forest Bathing

1. Select the forest you feel safe and secure. 

We can not expect to obtain relaxing effect from every forest. For instance, when there is noise, pollution and difficulty in walking, it makes it harder for us to be relaxed. Selecting an environment that suits our needs increases the level of comfort and the relaxing effect.

2. Be Aware of Your Senses

If you blessed with five senses, be aware of what your eyes see, your nose smells, ears hear, your taste does, your sense of touch or feel. Through the five senses, we can observe seasonal changes, birds singing, the forest fragrance and the soft breeze of the wind. 

3. Taking your Time

For "Forest Bathing" therapy to work effectively it is vital not to set time constraints or be in a hurry. Learning about yourself by taking your time, is good medicine for rejuvenation.

Here is a photograph was taken by Lorna Rand entering the Gardens of Hope, Magical Forest. 

I like this spot within the Magical Forest at the Gardens of Hope. 

Lots to be grateful for.

Here is an interesting article by Kory Floyd, Professor of Communication, from the University of Arizona on being a Dad, discussing the tension between intimacy and masculinity, called "The understated affection of fathers." Read Here.

I remember asking our girls in their late teens if there was one thing they could change about their father what would it be. In unison, they said, "Dad, your stupid jokes could go."

Here is my attempt...

Why did the invisible man turn down the job offer? 

He couldn't see himself doing it. 

With love from Prince Edward Island! 

Sincerely, 

Bruce