One of my favourite facets of the human experience is the near transcendentalism of a walk in the woods. Nothing else better quenches the thirst of my soul than being in the presence of moss covered evergreens, or the mysterious mycelium, who roots itself beneath my wandering soles.

I find myself awestruck as I gaze around me at all the gifts the forest generously offers, admiring the precious balance that keeps the biological systems and networks in equilibrium.

Scenes of lichen meeting the edge of a splintered branch of a towering cedar, moments of miniscule mushrooms hidden in their carved wooden caverns, and wonderous whispers of new seedlings bringing life to the forest floor – it’s all just so glorious.

Mary Oliver once wrote: “For me the door to the woods is the door to the temple.” I resonate with much of her work, but this line in particular rings in a louder volume among the rest. I have never truly felt as connected with the world, nor myself, than when when I am meeting with the spirit of the forest. As an anxious being, nature not only provides beautiful sights, but solace to my obnoxiously loud thoughts. In very few moments and places have I found this feeling, and I hope it reaches you too.

If you need it, this is your reminder to get outside – to walk the paths, scale the cliffs, and to summit the peaks (mountainous or metaphorical!).

M.