Presence Articles

We walk through most of our days on autopilot. Our minds replay stories, rehearsed fears, hopes, and assumptions. Many of the beliefs that run us aren’t really ours—they’re inherited, absorbed, unexamined.

A Forest Therapy Reflection

Have you ever noticed how a simple sandwich, a handful of chips, or a piece of fruit seems to taste extraordinary when you’re sitting on a beach towel, toes buried in warm sand, and the rhythmic sound of waves in the background?

Our forest therapy group was immersed in Redwood Memorial Grove , a pocket of towering giants hidden in the heart of the city. Its calming energy wraps around you the moment you arrive.

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.

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.

Presence is a practice. It asks us to put down the phone, quiet the mental to-do list, and simply be – here and now – with another person. It’s in those moments that we gift each other something priceless: the reassurance that we’re seen, valued, and not alone.

The other day, I was listening to the following words from Joe Dispenza about peace: Your state of mind and energy dictate your future outcomes. By consistently practicing presence, you create a foundation for peace that transcends temporary challenges. These words deeply resonated with me, reminding me that true peace is not something we stumble upon but something we intentionally cultivate.

In the fast-paced modern world we inhabit, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities, obligations, and the ever-present digital buzz. Amidst this chaos, how often do we pause, set a date, and embark on a solo adventure solely for ourselves? The practice of wandering, meandering, and immersing ourselves in nature, often referred to as forest bathing, offers an incredible opportunity for self-discovery, growth, and reconnection. Join me as I recount my recent solo journey into the woods – a personal healing quest that unearthed hidden emotions, bolstered my sense of ease, and left an indelible mark on my well-being.

This morning after sitting in my forest hammock, I received pure knowing which I believe was given to me through the sentience and grounding of the forest.