| In July, I had the restorative experience of staying in a cozy yurt in Vermont surrounded by nature, and located on a six-acre farmstead. I cannot tell you what a gem this little tiny home is complete with an outdoor shower. This stay provided me the quiet time to reflect, restore and rejuvenate all while being one with nature. It gave me the time to get my creative juices flowing as well. I did some journaling and let the sounds of nature inspire me. You can check out this incredible yurt on Airbnb by clicking here. |
| This month my family and I returned to Northern Coastal Maine. This spot is near and dear to my heart as we have been visiting it each summer for over 20 years. And the first time I visited this place was on a short trip home to the USA in 1997 when I was living in Shanghai. We rent a cozy cottage adjacent to the Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge, a 250-mile reserve off the coast of Maine that supports diverse habitats including, coastal islands, forested headlands, estuaries and freshwater wetlands. From breathtaking coastlines to historic lighthouses and species galore, it is hard not to relax in this serene sanctuary. The cottage is next to a field of wild blueberries, and this year we discovered two new hiking trails that ended with breathtaking views of inlet coves. I even took a dip in the chilly Atlantic waters with my sister in law, which truly felt like a cleanse for the body and spirit. The sights and sounds of eagles, osprey, gulls, and other birds spoke to my soul and we were thrilled to see a return of the deer throughout the seaside and inland meadows. |
| In September, I plan to do a solo camping trip in the mountains in New Mexico. Although it has been many years since I traveled on my own for pleasure, I find solo travel to be an amazing way to awaken my spirit and partake in some deep reflection. It forces me to get real with myself and my thoughts. It can ignite creativity and spark my soul. While there can be moments of anxiety and worry, especially when I encounter unknown situations, overall, I find it to be a transformative experience that connects mind, body and soul. I find solo travel to be essential for healing and growth. It can show you just how strong and resilient you are. Preparing for this upcoming trip to New Mexico has challenged me to get more fit, practice carrying my back-country pack full of gear, and prepare to be off grid with no distractions — not even reading books or art supplies. Just me in nature. I will let you know about my experience and what I learned in my October ezine. Seeking silence and solitude is truly a method of self-care. It is important to quell the chaos and noise of your daily lives. Getting back to mother nature is the perfect way to catch your breath, decompress, and remember that we as human beings are part of nature. Support your family, friends, colleagues, and teams by encouraging them to get outdoors and connect with all aspects of nature. Check out Forbes “12 Of The Most Unusual – And Beautiful – Yurts To Book A Night At Around The World,” for some outdoor inspiration. You will be amazed at what one night away can do to replenish your soul. The yurt I stayed at in Vermont is included in this extraordinary list. Clickhere to read the article in your entirety. Or if yurts are not your thing, try another unique experience to get yourself more immersed in nature. |
 Photo from Forbes article above |
| I encourage you to book a day or two and get outdoors! Get creative and find ways to immerse yourself in nature. You will be amazed at its healing, restorative and transformative benefits. Let Mother Nature be your ultimate inspiration. “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” –John Muir |