I love this.... You probably are aware that Judi and I love hiking on trails... We have been forest bathing and I wasn't even aware of a name... Judi makes sure I am bathed well because she stops and points out all kinds of mosses, lichen, and mushrooms.... I'm feeling clean already...
Clean and cleansed. You and Judi are inspiring in the way that you take to the "hills." There's nothing quite like it, in my experience. Thanks, Barry.
A beautiful and thoughtful post to start the day. I think “poikilohydry” is a word I’ve been missing! Love this: “In times of drought, they desiccate but do not die. Like sponges, they shrink and harden, waiting for moisture. Once it materializes, they can rehydrate in a matter of hours.” Beautiful photos accompanying your post - and beautiful connecting of the moss to the world.
Much appreciated, Amy. I've wondered, more than once, about whether I am somehow robbing myself of a truly immersive experience outdoors if I am taking pictures at the same time. Mostly, I've landed on being okay with it. My memories are stitched together more carefully when I have images for reference. And, such beautiful subjects!
Parts of our world are exploding in tantrums of war. Add to that my own petty battles of the spirit, grudges, grievances. I needed some groundedness and you helped. it. My breathing was slower, my heart quieter by the end of your essay. Thanks, Elizabeth
It's so easy to lose our footing, Stewart. The word groundless comes up in response to your mention of needing to be grounded, and puts me in mind of many current national and global events, and the crazy-talk in my head. Thanks for sharing this experience with me.
Just beautiful, my friend. My time outdoors has increased this year, and I find myself looking forward in wonder to each walk, stroll, jog, or stop. The looking and being bring peace, something I pray that all on earth might know. <3
Thank you, Pamela. No denying, there are times I am closer to desiccation than not, but it's good to have people in my community who help refill my well. 💧 Also, I want a moss emoji.
I just relate so much. Forest bathing (I call it bush walking but prefer the Japanese name), mosses, ferns, little wildflowers.
Mosses are beautiful - lacy, delicate filaments and webs. As a child I thought they were fairylands - so much scope for my childish imagination. I would place handfuls on a plate and keep them moist, just to look at. I sill love Ikebana and Bonsai where they ground everything in beds of moss.
So many links in your essay and I'll click later. I just wanted to quickly comment on such a perfect and worthy piece, Elizabeth, thank you.
I love the image of you as a child collecting plates full of mosses to nurture and appreciate, maybe mapping out how your fairy friends might dance in among those tiny trees.
And yes - this one was link heavy, because there is so much amazing information out there from which to learn. The three at the very end (podcast, article, and BBC doc) are my top choices! Thanks for reading and commenting, Prue.
Part of what I love most about living in the woods is that mosses exist and thrive. They feel good when I touch them. They're sound-catchers. They help to keep the woods quiet.
And they're gorgeous.
You've taken me beyond the obvious and now I have a new respect for those spongy masses. This was lovely. I'm going to save it to read again. Just as soon as I get back from my walk in the woods. ❤️
Can't even tell you how much this was the article I needed today. Thank you Substack for putting it in front of me. The minute I saw a re-stack that mentioned 'moss' I couldn't click this fast enough.
Heaping on the thanks to Robin Wall Kimmerer as I've read all her books, and her mind and spirit are treasures we all would benefit in recognizing and up-lifting.
Thank you for the links to other moss information! I'm so head over heels about moss (and beavers) that everyone's pretty sick of hearing me talk about either. Your tie in to the current state of things, I don't even know what to say about all of it, I'm glad you do.
Oh, big fist-bumps, Lauren Elyse! It is worthy enthusiasm, for sure, to be excited about mosses. And 🦫!! Robin Wall Kimmerer is an impressive role model and careful teacher. Thank you for your kind words.
I know it's more intentional than "just a walk in the woods." But, sometimes the latter feels more accessible. Whatever it takes to get us out of ourselves for a while! Thanks for reading and commenting, Noha.
Yes, yes, deep breaths, yes. The storms within have many sources, some of which I believe are difficult to name. I refer to it as collective angst. Being outside lends valuable perspective. Thanks so much for the comment.
I love how simple and actionable these are (to repeat just a few):
Grow, even if progress is barely noticeable.
Bring beauty to your surroundings.
Support the world with the gifts you have.
Barely noticeable! Yes, I think I can manage that. :-) This obviously fits right in with today's PeaceLinks, but I am slow to get here. Very glad I did.
Very, very inspiring! Thank You so much. My brain says we are happy now.
Tom and Linda
That's lovely to know, Tom. Here's to happy brains!
I love this.... You probably are aware that Judi and I love hiking on trails... We have been forest bathing and I wasn't even aware of a name... Judi makes sure I am bathed well because she stops and points out all kinds of mosses, lichen, and mushrooms.... I'm feeling clean already...
Clean and cleansed. You and Judi are inspiring in the way that you take to the "hills." There's nothing quite like it, in my experience. Thanks, Barry.
A beautiful and thoughtful post to start the day. I think “poikilohydry” is a word I’ve been missing! Love this: “In times of drought, they desiccate but do not die. Like sponges, they shrink and harden, waiting for moisture. Once it materializes, they can rehydrate in a matter of hours.” Beautiful photos accompanying your post - and beautiful connecting of the moss to the world.
Much appreciated, Amy. I've wondered, more than once, about whether I am somehow robbing myself of a truly immersive experience outdoors if I am taking pictures at the same time. Mostly, I've landed on being okay with it. My memories are stitched together more carefully when I have images for reference. And, such beautiful subjects!
Parts of our world are exploding in tantrums of war. Add to that my own petty battles of the spirit, grudges, grievances. I needed some groundedness and you helped. it. My breathing was slower, my heart quieter by the end of your essay. Thanks, Elizabeth
It's so easy to lose our footing, Stewart. The word groundless comes up in response to your mention of needing to be grounded, and puts me in mind of many current national and global events, and the crazy-talk in my head. Thanks for sharing this experience with me.
Just beautiful, my friend. My time outdoors has increased this year, and I find myself looking forward in wonder to each walk, stroll, jog, or stop. The looking and being bring peace, something I pray that all on earth might know. <3
That is a perfect prayer. And, I am thrilled to know that your outdoor time is restorative. Thank you for being here, Debra.
I love moss. And lichens. But mostly moss.
Thank you. Your writing is fresh water in a desert.
Thank you, Pamela. No denying, there are times I am closer to desiccation than not, but it's good to have people in my community who help refill my well. 💧 Also, I want a moss emoji.
I just relate so much. Forest bathing (I call it bush walking but prefer the Japanese name), mosses, ferns, little wildflowers.
Mosses are beautiful - lacy, delicate filaments and webs. As a child I thought they were fairylands - so much scope for my childish imagination. I would place handfuls on a plate and keep them moist, just to look at. I sill love Ikebana and Bonsai where they ground everything in beds of moss.
So many links in your essay and I'll click later. I just wanted to quickly comment on such a perfect and worthy piece, Elizabeth, thank you.
I love the image of you as a child collecting plates full of mosses to nurture and appreciate, maybe mapping out how your fairy friends might dance in among those tiny trees.
And yes - this one was link heavy, because there is so much amazing information out there from which to learn. The three at the very end (podcast, article, and BBC doc) are my top choices! Thanks for reading and commenting, Prue.
All. The. Feels. So good. Thank you.
Grateful for this, and you.
I need a bath!
Bubbles are highly advised! 🛁
...Also, in the linked podcast, Robin Wall Kimmerer and host Alie Ward talk about moss bathmats. And how those are...uh...yeah, just no.
Part of what I love most about living in the woods is that mosses exist and thrive. They feel good when I touch them. They're sound-catchers. They help to keep the woods quiet.
And they're gorgeous.
You've taken me beyond the obvious and now I have a new respect for those spongy masses. This was lovely. I'm going to save it to read again. Just as soon as I get back from my walk in the woods. ❤️
Thank you, friend. Picturing you on a walk in the woods makes me smile. Betting the mosses are, too.
Can't even tell you how much this was the article I needed today. Thank you Substack for putting it in front of me. The minute I saw a re-stack that mentioned 'moss' I couldn't click this fast enough.
Heaping on the thanks to Robin Wall Kimmerer as I've read all her books, and her mind and spirit are treasures we all would benefit in recognizing and up-lifting.
Thank you for the links to other moss information! I'm so head over heels about moss (and beavers) that everyone's pretty sick of hearing me talk about either. Your tie in to the current state of things, I don't even know what to say about all of it, I'm glad you do.
Oh, big fist-bumps, Lauren Elyse! It is worthy enthusiasm, for sure, to be excited about mosses. And 🦫!! Robin Wall Kimmerer is an impressive role model and careful teacher. Thank you for your kind words.
Lovely. I need to do some forest bathing again
I know it's more intentional than "just a walk in the woods." But, sometimes the latter feels more accessible. Whatever it takes to get us out of ourselves for a while! Thanks for reading and commenting, Noha.
Be like the moss...yes! In these days , I am drawn outdoors, seeking the glade, taking in deep cleansing breaths, calming the storm within.
Yes, yes, deep breaths, yes. The storms within have many sources, some of which I believe are difficult to name. I refer to it as collective angst. Being outside lends valuable perspective. Thanks so much for the comment.
Such a beautiful post, Elizabeth. Thank you so much for a fabulous read.
Appreciate you coming along, Rebecca. And, we didn't even get lost!
😁
Fascinating!
Thanks, Ollie. So glad you enjoyed it.
Ahhhh, moss.
I love how simple and actionable these are (to repeat just a few):
Grow, even if progress is barely noticeable.
Bring beauty to your surroundings.
Support the world with the gifts you have.
Barely noticeable! Yes, I think I can manage that. :-) This obviously fits right in with today's PeaceLinks, but I am slow to get here. Very glad I did.
I think slowing down is a good theme. Thanks, Tara.