FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

Kristi, I am late with my comments regarding the new layout of your blog. I like it. The book recommendations and links to recent posts, along the right-hand side of the page, are very convenient.

This blog post is very timely for me. After moving to NZ over a month ago, our pace picked up and although it was certainly exciting, what with the boys starting school and my picking up a yoga teaching job, I also had a hard time carving out time for myself. I kept saying 'Yes' to the fantastic opportunities that were rolling my way and not taking enough time to rest and recharge. I have come down with a terrible cold that has left me with no choice but to spend my days in bed. :( It's a good reminder for me to re-balance my responsibilities and make more time for yoga and other forms of exercise; walks on the beach, in the forest, and the nearby nature reserves; meditation; and reading.

I take it that what you are referring to as the feeling of overwhelm is actually anxiety. And yes, a good walk out in nature certainly had a calming influence. One just has to hope the weather cooperates. Here in New England this can be tricky in winter.

Hi Kristi,

I always feel so much better after a walk in the woods. There is something calming and rejuvenating about just listening to the sounds of nature, the breeze rustling through the trees and the smells of forest flowers and leaves.

I am listening to the birds and a light rain right now as I write this!

Yes, a walk in the woods is wonderful, using all of your senses to appreciate it. And even better if you take your dog along!

I have a few things I do to relax the mind and body. I walk and really practice being in the present moment. When I catch my mind wandering I gently bring it back to my surroundings. The other thing I do is tangle. It's the Zentangle method of drawing patterns and it brings me to my zen zone. I also avoid stimulants like caffeine and dark chocolate. And above all, I don't fight with my thoughts or attach to them, I just watch them with curiosity.

........Kristin.... I find deep yoga breathing , calms me down more than anything. Then I go directly to my iMac, and pull up a flower photograph. I then study it a bit and proceed to transform it into a 'digital waterdolor'. This bit of creativity totally calms me and I can go on about the day or night..... also looking at past trips to la belle France can have nearly the same effect on my psyche. I think your 'bathing in the forest' soundds wonderful! Judi

All good ideas... Thanks for the reminder to spend more time outside. Inside, reading is my go to activity.

Hi Kristi,
Thank you for your blog and this post. I definitely take walks in parks or other areas to relieve stress. But I also listen to my favorite music to de-stress and since I play the piano, well I do that also in the evenings after work. Another good outlet for me is going to view art somewhere - a museum (I'm nearby many in Chicago). It's good for me to relax and take in a good piece of art and forget about everything else that is causing my stress.

Now I am using my lap top computer. There are 3 columns. Left most is what I read on my phone, then the one with the header of how to sign up for the newsletter and the photo of Kristin and Jean-Marc, and a long list of books about France. At the far right, a short column with a search bar, an ad, and several links to things like FAQ, search the archives, and the like. Thus the phone shows only the leftmost of the three columns. Just to let you know.

Our dear Kristi,
Another wonderful post,with wonderful suggestions,one which reaches the hearts of all of your readers:who of us does not sometimes have feelings of being overwhelmed?
The Supreme Being has often said that fresh air and sunshine are His greatest physicians,and this is what I try to immerse myself in when my spirits need lifting.Especially holding our little dog next to my heart,listening to her tranquil heartbeat telling me all is well.
At one time we lived in a Eucalytus forest;the sound of the wind in the trees was divine(only downside was allergies from the leaf mold.)
But Nature is a healing gift,no matter where you find it.
Love
Natalia xo

Kristi,
First about the new format. On my computer the right side of all of the pictures are cut off along with the caption. I would like to see the blog (your writing) a bit wider. It is only ½ of the screen and partially cut off by the red on the right side.
As for relaxation, I also like to work in the garden, but walking comes in a close second. It can be the beach or the woods, but we do have to worry about ticks, which are very prevalent this year.

Kathleen

Bonjour, Kristin,
I like to walk at Point Lobos, just three miles south
of Carmel, CA where there are forest paths and coastal
paths. The trees in the forest are heavily hung with a pale green lace lichen which creates a sort of fairytale atmosphere. The coastal paths bring you up close to beaches with sea lions sunning themselves and huge ocean boulders populated with cormorants and sea gulls. There is a lot of variety in the scenery because of the changing weather. I enjoy returning to this place.

My daughter, who is y our age, is a forest therapist. Her group is called Shin rin-yoku from Santa Rosa, CA. If anyone lives in the area contact Nicole Govert and tell her I sent you. Go for it, Kristin, it is a lovely experience.

Being in nature is the best....whether in the forest, near the sea, or simply in one's back yard, after all, we are nature. And who doesn't remember "Heidi" and "The Secret Garden"? Children were healed physically, emotionally, and spiritually in both.
Thanks for your blog as always.

Empowering trail runs, open water swimming, city walks..;-)

My thoughts on the photo, also. Would you consider selling copies? I know just where to hang it! I'm serious, Kristi; please consider it. It's an outstanding photo. I'd love to have a copy. The light is exceptional. My son is very handy with photo files and could print it from a regular attachment if you could decide on a price. Love your blog and am a longstanding reader, although I don't post often. I'll be waiting for your answer. TIA.

Hi Kristi,

The “forest bath” sounds more soothing than my “desert hiking”! For years, I’ve done cross-country hiking with the excitement of finding some Indian pottery shards or arrowheads plus the adventure of facing an occasional rattlesnake or coyote.

Now, in my upper 80’s with some balance problems, I have to be careful not to fall. Also, when I go hiking these days, the buzzards start circling overhead. . . so I spend more and more time in the safety of a gym.

Herm

I miss the part with the current blog title centered between the immediate past blog and the next one. It's easier to tell what I might have missed among the email onslaught.