Dear Honey Run Friends,
I had the opportunity last month to take a road trip to the northern Great Plain states. I travelled 3,700 miles by car with the vast majority of the roads traveled being non-interstate highways. I enjoyed the scenic byways through small town America. This was my first trip to this part of the country, and I was astonished at the beauty of parts and the starkness of other parts.
The thing that shocked me the most was the lack of trees. As I traveled for 60 miles I did not see a single tree. How is this possible? I have lived at The Inn at Honey Run for almost 9 years, and we certainly do not lack trees here. What I learned in my travels is how much I appreciate the beauty of our resort grounds. Seeing our landscape day in and day out at The Inn, I have clearly taken it for granted, but after just a couple of weeks away, I was ready to return to the respite that is found in our little slice of heaven. America offers us an incredible landscape variety. Within just a few hundred miles, you can go from lush farm fields, to flat grasslands, to lush forests emerging from the mountaintops. We, citizens of this great nation, are lucky to have this diversity in our backyard.
I am thankful for the opportunity to travel and I am grateful that I am allowed the opportunity to live at The Inn at Honey Run. The Japanese have a practice called Shinrin Yoku or “forest bathing”. This practice is all about spending time in the forest for the natural health benefits. You can read more about forest bathing by clicking here as well as by watching the video below:
I did not realize why I felt so good spending time on the grounds of The Inn, but now I know. In addition to the spiritual calm that comes from slowly walking through the forest, there is now proof of medical healing that comes from this natural healing time. I, personally, can attest the benefits as many of you can as well.
I hope you can make some time in the coming weeks to come see the leaves change color and allow yourself the time to enjoy some “forest bathing.” Your body and mind will thank you.
Your tree-loving Innkeeper,
Jason
Jason,
So glad to read that you traveled the scenic byways of the great plains.
The National Scenic Byway Foundation has been preaching the benefits of traveling slower, enjoying nature, etc for years.
You really might enjoy learning about the work we are doing and our mission.
I look forward to talking to you about it — sometime soon.
Sharon Strouse
NSBF chair, nsbfoundation.com