Leaf Your Worries Behind: October 28, 2024

In partnership with

Greetings, Forest Friends!

🍁 Leaf your worries behind and branch out with us in this tree-mendous second issue of The Healing Pulse of Central Maryland! 🌳 Our mission is to support you on your healing journey with evidence-based holistic modalities, local events, and community inspiration. Let's fall into this week's nature-inspired offerings!

IN TODAY’S EDITION

• Holistic Spotlight: Forest Bathing in Maryland's Autumn Splendor

• Free Offer: 🕺 Line Dancing

• Upcoming Wellness Events

• Your Healing Minute: Tree Hugging Meditation (It's oak-ay to embrace nature!)

• Be a Contributor in a future newsletter!

But first, a GIFT for you, from our sponsor:

HOLISTIC SPOTLIGHT

Forest Bathing in Maryland's Autumn Splendor

As the peak season for fall colors in Central Maryland comes to a close, now is an ideal time to experience the healing power of forest bathing. This Japanese practice, known as Shinrin-yoku, involves immersing yourself in nature with no purpose other than to be present and engage your senses.

The Science Behind Forest Bathing

Findings from Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine suggest that forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) may help:

• lower blood pressure and heart rate,

• reduce stress hormones,

• boost immune function,

• decrease inflammation,

• and enhance mental health and well-being.

Read it from the source here.

Forest bathing might be even more powerful during fall thanks to the vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and greens. Evidence from the Journal of Forensic Science and Research suggests these colors could also contribute to improved mood and mental well-being:

• Red: Boosts motivation and confidence

• Orange: Warmth, creativity

• Yellow: Uplifting, enhances mental clarity

• Green: Calming, reduces anxiety

The combination of color therapy and forest bathing makes getting outside this week a potent activity!

How to Forest Bathe

1. Location: Visit local parks or forests such as Cylburn Arboretum or Patapsco Valley State Park.

2. Duration: Spend two hours among the trees for maximal benefits.

3. Disconnect: Put your phone on silent.

4. Move Mindfully: Walk slowly, fully immerse yourself without rushing.

5. Engage Your Senses: Breathe deeply, notice the earthy scents, vibrant colors, and sounds of nature. Feel the bark and the cool air on your skin.

6. Stay Safe: Wear appropriate clothing, stick to marked trails, and stay aware of your surroundings.

By following these tips, you can create a deep connection with nature and experience its beauty and restorative power.

Bringing the Forest Home

If you can't make it outside or want to enjoy the benefits of nature indoors, high-quality essential oils may help you experience some of the effects of the forest any time of year:

1. Organic Cedarwood – Calming and grounding, promotes relaxation

2. Organic Pine – Invigorating, enhances mental clarity

3. Balsam Fir Needle – Refreshing and uplifting, may boost mood and respiratory health

Diffuse these oils to bring the healing power of the forest into your home.

Note: Use essential oils only as directed and consult a healthcare professional as needed.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Healing Events Around Town

👭 Sacred Healing Circle for Women | Oct. 30 @ 6:30 PM | Revolve Wellness Studio, Catonsville

Yoga, meditation, self-exploration. Light refreshments provided. Come kick off our shoes and tell our truth without judgment. Details and registration here.

🏞️ Harmony & Healing Nature Day Retreat | Nov. 2 @ 10 AM | 19601 Gunpowder Rd, Manchester, MD

Join us for a fall nature retreat, surrounded by colorful leaves, nestled in the trees, where we'll practice mindfulness, meditation, and sound healing. Enjoy a sound bath with soothing instruments, rejuvenating in nature’s peaceful energy. Scholarships for discounted rates available! Details and Registration here.

💭 Daydreamers Festival: A #RestEasyBby Wellness Experience | Nov. 3 @ 12 PM | Le Mondo, Baltimore

A BIPOC only space for creative embodiment activities (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) that promotes rest and restoration. Gentle movement, meditation, sound healing, and more, we will engage in collective dreaming practices to promote wellness and healing. Plus, select workshops using art and herbalism to expand our dreaming capacity! More details and Registration here.

🪷 Baltimore Breathwork Sound Bath | Nov. 3 @ 2:15 PM | Roland Park Community Center, Baltimore

Guided breathing, soothing sounds, and inner peace in a beautiful, spacious setting. Open to all, with plentiful parking. Last year’s events sold out—reserve your spot here.

👼 Intro to Angel Card Readings & Delivering Divine Messages | Nov. 4 @ 6:30 PM | Magnolia Wellness, Severna Park

An introductory class to help you connect with higher guidance through the art of reading spiritual cards. Learn to tap into your intuition, interpret messages and deliver divine guidance. You’ll leave with a basic understanding of card layouts, interpreting symbols and sharing meaningful insights. More details and Registration here.

YOUR HEALING MINUTE

Go Hug a Tree!

This week, we're connecting with our inner hippie and hugging a tree!

Safety Check

• Choose a non-poisonous tree without harmful vines.

• Inspect for insects and rough patches.

Tree-Hugging Meditation

1. Stand before your tree. Breathe deeply to center yourself (5 sec).

2. Step forward and gently wrap your arms around the tree (10 sec).

3. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, feel your connection to the earth (15 sec).

4. Feel the tree's support. Inhale its energy, exhale stress (15 sec).

5. Express gratitude for the tree's presence (10 sec).

6. Step back, open your eyes, and carry its energy with you (5 sec).

It's okay if this feels a bit unusual at first. Embrace the awkward! You're taking a moment to connect with nature in a unique way. Who knows? You might find it's just the stress-relief you needed. Happy tree hugging!

Want to be Featured?

🦸‍♀️ Calling all holistic health heroes!

If you want to:

• Be a Community Hero and share your health journey

• Add an upcoming wellness event

• Educate on a holistic practice

• Offer healing-related music, writing, or art

• Sponsor with an exclusive discount

Reply to this email and let's feature you in a future edition!

That’s all for today’s newsletter. Be well!

Until next time,