Lifestyle Key: DC Forest Bathing
Summer is quickly coming to an end, which means most people are trying to get in as much fun and sun as they can. Especially in DC, where Congress is recessed, embassy staff is often abroad in their home countries, and people who have the luxury are off on vacation, August gets quiet in the world of real estate (not behind the scenes, but we’ll talk about that another time). Since the client facing part of my job, has been quieter than usual (though I can already tell fall is going to be busy), you’ve probably noticed that I’ve been posting about all the fun I’ve been having!
A few weeks ago I joined DC Forest Bathing for the August Full Moon 🌚 walk. I’ve been (daylight) forest bathing before and really enjoyed it. So what is forest bathing? I’m not an expert or authority figure, but based on my experience I would describe it as hanging out in nature with a guide who makes sure you get out of your own head and notice what’s around you.
Forest bathing is not (to me):
Hiking
A walk through the woods
Strenuous exercise
The Full Moon walks are held at the National Arboretum (which you should visit!) in the meadow near the National Capitol Columns. Watching the moonrise over The Columns is BEAUTIFUL (my iPhone photo doesn’t do it justice!). There are no flashlights — the moon is bright enough that once your eyes adjust you can see just fine — not at all what I expected. So what do you do? Whatever calls you. I walked around the meadow, laid on a bench, sat among The Columns, watched bats, listened to frogs and gazed at the stars ✨ . I was reminded how few stars we get to see in a city, and for me stargazing is very nostalgic, so I need to make time and space to do it more often. As we were having our tea ceremony, everyone in the group remarked how relaxed/calm/less stressed they felt, which is a great reminder to get outside and take some deep breaths.
What a buddy to try forest bath with? I’ll gladly go with you!
