I stand outside in my backyard.
The sky lights up, over and over again. Thunder croaks like a giant frog. Rain hammers down, bouncing off the windows, plodding into the dirt. I can hear the sound of rain on the leaves of the big eucalyptus tree. I can hear the sound of the rain falling on the small bridge that broaches the creek behind our house.
It’s exhilarating.
When I was little, I had two happy places. One was in my bed, curled up with my doona, reading a book. If it was raining and storming outside and the windows jumped with the wind and that was contrasted with my warm and cosy nest? Perfection. Especially if I could perch with a mug of hot chocolate in hand.
My other happy place was outside, exploring the sand dunes and expansive beaches, climbing the steep cliff where we lived, my hair a mass of salty knots.
Being outside – wind in my hair, fresh air on my face, sun on my skin, cheeks flushed with movement – made me feel good.
It still does.
There’s a term that I love:
Forest bathing.
Like the sky is a giant tub.
And I can sink into the leaves and branches and humid earth and soak for a while.
And come home soft and clean and refreshed.
Go into nature my friend. It will make you feel good.
And if curling up with your doona and reading a good book is more your jam, I’ve got a recommendation…🫣
My new book! SELFISH: how to unlearn the rules that are breaking you.
