Oh my, what a week! Just as in nature, things start to get busy around here when spring arrives. Yard work and spring cleaning, forest bathing and tour groups, weddings and sunshine with friends and family.
After battling the winter doldrums, this is the type of week that rejuvenates me. Just like nature, Spring brings the experience of new growth in and around me.
As I mentioned last week, the twins, our six-year-old grandkids, came for a visit. There’s nothing like being around six-year-olds to bring out the kid in you. We planted flowers, took the riding lawnmower for a spin, created art with sidewalk chalk, and there may have even been some booty shaking. Whew! It’s exhausting being a kid again!
On Tuesday, I took out a group of eight men, mostly in their 40s, Forest Bathing. They were a group of entrepreneurs that serve as a sort of personal board of advisors for each other, supporting each other in living their best lives possible. What a treat they were – open and adventurous and kind and giving. Some groups I really connect with, and they were one of those groups. When we got to the creek, full of snow melt this time of year, they asked if they could get wet. “Of course,” I told them. “Take your shoes off, have some fun!” Next thing I know, some of them are completely submerged in that ice cold water. Now that’s living! How can I invite more of that in my life?
Back at the office that evening, I met with my next wedding couple via Zoom. They are getting married in front of friends and family in a few days, with the lake as a background, and I get to officiate the ceremony. I feel honored to be a part, albeit small, of this important day in their lives. Just talking with this young couple, I know they are committed to each other and genuinely enjoy being together.
The next day I met with the folks on tour with Trafalgar tours. This was my first of the season and they will continue through October. This one was a little different than what I usually present to them. Because it’s a rather large group – around 30 to 40 people – a regular Forest Bathing Experience is not practical, so I usually make it a talk, with a lot of interaction. The tour director wanted to do things a little differently and, because I pride myself on being flexible, I took out two groups of 15 each for a short experience. Some times you give things a try, and they work out great, and you adapt your usual routine. Other times, not so much. This was one of those times. And still it gave me some good ideas for changes moving forward.
Later in the week took me to AutoCamp Yosemite. I’ve talked of AutoCamp in the past, a unique camping experience that combines custom designed Airstream trailers, gourmet food and four-star service. They provide a truly special experience for their guests, through all of this as well as guided experiences, of which I am a part. I often take groups out forest bathing who are staying there and have booked through the AutoCamp system. This time, I came to them, for an organization of young Chief Executives who were holding their annual family retreat at AutoCamp. Mine was an “optional” activity for their members, and, expecting both adults and children, I decided on guiding them on a Gratitude Walk. As is always the case when something is optional, I never know what to expect. It was a small group, just four adults, so I had to adjust quickly, which I am getting quite good at! I wish there had been more, including kids, but the folks that joined me were a joy. Lots to be learned here as well, and exercising my “flexibility muscles” is always a good thing.
So, all in all, a beautiful, fun, exhilarating, week spent mostly in nature, learning and stretching and growing. The perfect week, I’d say. What more could a person ask for?
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