Trees and Tranquility

12/20/2025

The winter solstice brings about the longest night, a turning of the wheel symbolizing both the need for rest during these longer dark nights while awaiting the return of bright, longer days. As we await the return of light, I invite us to embrace these dark, longer nights and delight in the comforts they can bring. Perhaps notice the warmth and coziness of a warm blanket, the bright stars in the dark skies, the freshness of the cold air.

Happy solstice, friends!

12/14/2025

I took to the path today, bundled up with just the right amount of layers to make the 0 degree “real feel” temp feel manageable and my beloved path was ready for me. I needed this wandering of the path today. I could feel my body, mind, and heart needed it, too and man…I am grateful to the path for being there.

12/13/2025

It’s about to get quite cold here in Chicago this weekend and yet there’s a sort of warmth in the pre-winter woods when the sunset casts a peachy glow. Stay warm, friends ☀️❄️

12/09/2025

“Humans are built for nature, not modern life”

We spend more time indoors than humans ever have, and our bodies and minds are experiencing the negative impact this has on us. Let’s spend time outdoors! Take a walk, wander your neighborhood, backyard, forests. Your body and mind will thank you!

Human biology evolved for a world of movement, nature, and short bursts of stress—not the constant pressure of modern life. Industrial environments overstimulate our stress systems and erode both health and reproduction. Evidence ranging from global fertility declines to chronic inflammatory disea...

12/09/2025

Trees! We love trees, in all their shapes and forms. They are the lungs of the Earth, shade on a hot day, mood boosters, and so much more. Let’s show our love for trees!

Leave a message below with your favorite tree or tree story. 🌳🍁❤️🪾

12/06/2025

Winter isn’t for everyone, and sometimes I find it hard to deal with, too. But, mostly I love winter. I love observing the naked trees with their gnarly branches against the grey winter sky, knowing that the beautiful white snow blanket covering the forest floor is what helps the wildfleurs bloom in the spring, and taking my cue from the natural world to slow down and rest. With this cue, perhaps those of us struggling with winter can take solace in nature’s cue to slow down, cozy up, and ready ourselves for the seasons a head.

12/01/2025

❤️

11/30/2025

(Almost) Winter wanderings taking me to my beloved path and boy, oh boy, the path showed up in all its winter snowy glory!

11/29/2025

Early nightfall wanderings.

11/29/2025

Ohh, friends! You most *absolutely* can Forest bathe in the middle of a bustling city! Forest bathing, while divine when you can be in a deep woodland, is most definitely a lovely and beneficial activity in the deep urban settings. It’s kinda our jam here at Trees & Tranquility. Whether it’s wandering about the park, leaning up against a tree along the busy neighborhood sidewalk, or escaping to the nature preserves…connecting with nature in mindful ways is absolutely possible in our urban settings.

Join us December 13th for some perfectly delightful urban forest bathing!

https://treesandtranquility.com/experiences/

Can You Really Forest Bathe in the Middle of a City? I Tried It.

A skeptic set out to see if the Japanese wellness practice works outside of the forest

Read on in the comments 👇️

11/27/2025

Dear friends,
From my heart to your heart, a deep sense of appreciation and thanks for all who have joined us forest bathing, who have supported us in someway, who have “like” our posts and shared your shares with us. I feel deeply appreciative for your support. Thank you! ❤️🍁

I also feel a deep sense of gratitude for the Earth and all she offers and a deep sense of gratitude to all of us for giving back to the Earth in all the ways we do. Let us continue to care for the earth, plant our plants, exchange air with the trees, pick up litter, volunteer our time for caring for the land. Let us continue in our love for our natural community of which we are apart.