A Walk In The Woods

This past weekend, I had the privilege of presenting retreat style yoga for a group of women, including the mother of a good friend of mine, all in their Golden Years. The original plan included us meeting for yoga and meditation on Friday evening, Saturday midday, and again on Sunday midday with everyone sleeping in their own homes in between, I would stay with my friend's mother. This would give me the opportunity to wander around between meetings to get my own down time. 

Unfortunately, most of the ladies had life events that changed the plans. So, the few that were left still gathered for a class on Saturday, for some pranayama, some movement, some education, some meditation, and a lovely shared meal. I got to teach these ladies some great ways to improve their self care, increase their flexibility and strength, and some clean eating tips. We even shared some sweet dark chocolates made without processed sugar. (recipe at bottom of post)

During my down time, I stuck to my 10,000 step morning walks and got to wander around the beautiful countryside of Ionia County. The first day I walked without my headphones. I wanted to hear all the sounds of nature and be IN the country. The temperature dropped quite a bit from the day before so I ended up with a little inflammation in my outer ear canal. So the second day I brought a podcast to listen to, and just kept the volume low enough to still tune in to the world around me. 

During my adventures I spied wild turkeys, foxes, bunnies, racoons, turkey vultures, turtles, and chipmunks. The landscapes were incredible, the sunrises breathtaking. Being that far away from the city is so refreshingly quiet of city sounds, while still being a symphony of the sounds of life. If you haven't been out in nature for a while, studies show you could be suffering from "nature deficit disorder" one of the symptoms of living in our high tech world. 

Research indicates that being around trees, dirt, grass, and other parts of nature, can "enhance the health of individuals experiencing chronic mental, emotional and physical health difficulties" read more here

Make the time to go discover the wonderful healing properties of a good walk in the woods. Not near the woods? Go plant a small garden, or just go sit by a tree. Even a little bit can help a lot. 

ps: here's that chocolate recipe - I used special dark cocoa and OMG!

CLEAN EATING CHOCOLATE BARS

(Makes 12 servings)

INGREDIENTS:

·         3/4 cup pure coconut oil

·         1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

·         1/2 cup honey

·         2 teaspoons vanilla extract

·         2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)

·         1/8 teaspoon sea salt

DIRECTIONS:

1.    In a medium sized pot, combine all ingredients. Whisk well over low to medium heat until the chocolate is smooth. You want to get rid of as many of the clumps from the coconut oil as possible.

2.    Spread out over a parchment lined cookie sheet and chill in the fridge or freezer overnight.

3.    Cut and enjoy. (Store in the freezer, wrapped individually.)