An Evening of Inspiration, Community, and a Call to Belong

As I learn to navigate the intricacies of my life, I recognize that overwhelm has been a consistent theme since childhood. Growing up as a highly sensitive child, I internalized the feelings of overwhelm not only as part of my own experience but also through observing my mother's struggles. I watched her grapple with the weight of life's demands as a single mother, often feeling helpless as she failed to seek the support she needed. Her inability to thrive in these moments of stress became ingrained in my perception of what overwhelm looked and felt like.

Every time I guide a forest therapy walk, I learn something new—about nature, about others, and about myself. This past weekend was no exception. I had the privilege of leading a diverse group through the Golden Gate Redwood Memorial Grove , a space filled with towering giants and quiet wisdom. What made this walk even more special was that my son, who has been helping behind the scenes, joined me for the experience.

Upcoming Retreat: May 7th

High-Level Wellness and the Healing Power of Nature: A Modern Approach

The more I practice and share forest therapy, the more I feel like myself—at home while out in beautiful places. I literally feel my breathing slow, my mind let go, and my body relax. Nature is steadfast, always there for us, a place to find an even keel, to cultivate equanimity simply through the practice of noticing—mindfulness in nature through sensorial activation, also known as forest bathing.

Halbert L. Dunn, often called the father of the wellness movement, distinguished between health (the absence of disease), wellness (the active pursuit of a healthy lifestyle), and well-being (a deeper state of fulfillment that integrates mind, body, and spirit). True well-being includes spirituality—a connection to something greater than yourself, which is different for everyone yet fundamentally the same. It also requires interdependence, the recognition that we thrive in connection with others and the world around us.

In forest therapy, we cultivate awareness—mindfully tuning into the land around us. Indigenous knowledge of plants, animals, and weather helps us live safely with nature’s elements. On walks, I highlight how to recognize healing and harmful plants, respect local wildlife, and navigate varying weather conditions with safety in mind.

In recent years, prolonged sitting has been likened to smoking in terms of its negative impact on health. While smoking directly affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, excessive sitting—especially when combined with poor posture—can silently degrade the body’s structural integrity, mobility, and overall well-being. A key player in this process is fascia, the often-overlooked connective tissue that plays a vital role in movement, hydration, and cellular communication.

Tonight, I stepped out of my comfort zone and into the city, trusting an old friend to guide me on an unexpected adventure. We met at Keys Jazz Bistro in North Beach, a cozy little jazz bar where the air buzzed with warmth and anticipation. The owner, celebrating his wife’s birthday, had invited one of her favorite singers— Kenny Washington Jr. —to perform.