Inner Peace Meditation and Podcast for Sunday, November 24 2024

Welcome to a New Week! This is Thanksgiving week in the United States and the beginning of the holidays.  As usual the "holiday shopping experience" has already begun.  And, it seems to be gearing up earlier and earlier every year !!!

I recorded this podcast in the "Urban Wilderness" on Turkey Mountain, on the west side of Tulsa.  It is known as an Urban Wilderness because it is close to the city and very accessible to hikers, bikers, and people with their dogs (on leases of course).  It is also a very busy place, open 7 days a week for walking, hiking, and biking on 45 miles of trails!

This is the perfect kind of place for "forest bathing", much like similar places in Germany, Japan, Norway, and other locations in the U.S.  It is easy to see the almost universal effect of "forest bathing" for hikers and bikers.  Everyone is Friendly and at least somewhat Relaxed!  At first, I didn't notice, but after passing a few people, including family groups, I realized how courteous and friendly people were.  I felt like I was walking near a village with "neighbors" coming and going.

We have excellent research documenting the effects of "forest bathing" or "forest camping".  For instance, we know that walking in the forest generates Endorphins in the Human body.  Endorphins are peptides, or small proteins, that act as neurotransmitters in the body. They are produced in the brain's pituitary gland and hypothalamus and generate a feeling of well-being.  This means our stress levels are going down!  We are becoming more relaxed and at ease with ourselves.

We all know that life on Earth can be very challenging and stressful.  If we think about it, we also understand that maintaining our health and general sanity is directly related to our ability to manage "stress".  So, what could be better than a walk in the woods with Sunshine coming through the trees, breathing fresh air, and finding that wonderful sense of freedom as we move along the trail ???

Thank You so much for everything you are doing every day to make our World a bit better for Everyone.  Have a great week and,

Remember to Breathe ... in the Woods if possible!

Mary Christopher teaches mindfulness, 

breathing practices, and building personal resilience.  

Gardening and Being in Nature are among her favorite activities.