Researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School in England used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on study participants while they listened to a series of five-minute soundscapes of natural and manmade environments. Sounds from nature were associated with a decrease in the body’s sympathetic response (which causes that “fight-or-flight” feeling) and an increase in the […]
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Have you noticed how certain sounds just help you to de-stress and relax. One of my favorite “nature noises” is the sound of water. While moving outside this spring, I have noticed that the lakes, rivers, and streams are overflowing and the sound of the water is so soothing. A river beach I like to […]
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One of my favorite things about this time of year is longer days with more time to be outside doing the things I love. I enjoyed biking up on the ridge in the trees and along the river. The single track trail is one that I like to snowshoe in the winter and hike […]
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On the last day of most vacations, you want to do all of those things that made the trip so special. Visiting Hawaii, I want to eat the local foods of the islands, walk on the beach, play in the surf, and watch that one last sunset. The last morning on Kauai I sliced up […]
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When you step onto any of the Hawaiian Islands you will smell and see the most beautiful tropical flowers. It seems like the iconic Hawaiian flower is the Bird of Paradise, but my favorite by far is the Plumeria. The heavenly scent from the velvety petals of this flower is amazing. I biked past this […]
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The weather was windy, with some sprinkles each day I was on Kauai. The sound of the palm fronds slapping each other in a stiff breeze is very distinct. There is nothing quite like listening to the surf as you drift off to sleep or awaken from a very restful snooze. And then as the […]
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It has been almost a month since I have done any blogging, as I have been focusing on taking time to get outside to work my body and soothe my spirit. My last blog post was the morning I left for Hawaii. The view flying over Vashon Island was special. The Burton Peninsula sits inside […]
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As I started my bike last weekend I was pretty bummed. A light drizzle turned into a downpour. I stopped at one point and considered turning back. However, I decided to continue my bike, take it slow, and really look at all of the beauty present along the roadside. I found an accidental selfie that […]
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My rainy photos last weekend were filled with every shade of green. I also spotted these mushrooms along the road. The white and the purple against the green background caught my eye and the yellow made me think of the sun. I hope to get a little sunshine this week! The salal plant pictured below, is everywhere […]
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Once I stopped and really looked at the beauty all around me, I was in awe of all of the green. Moss is very prevalent in the Northwest and covers just about everything! We take for granted the huge variety of green ferns growing just about everywhere in Western Washington . The little ones… And […]
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