Page 14 - Mighty Miramichi River Guide 2024

Back to Basics: Nature's Healing

Take Your Heart for a Walk in the Woods...

The Miramichi Region’s expansive woodlands, rivers, smooth rock riverbanks to leafy forest floors, offer ample
and beaches, provide an ideal setting for rejuvenating nature opportunities for grounding.
experiences like forest bathing and The Miramichi River itself is a
grounding. These practices promise not powerful presence for grounding.
only relaxation but also a profound Strolling along its banks, with the soft,
connection with the natural world, offering cool mud underfoot, connects you to the
numerous health benefits. earth in an intimate and immediate way.
Forest bathing, or 'Shinrin-yoku', a The gentle sounds of flowing water
term coined in Japan, involves immersing complement this grounding experience,
oneself in nature. This practice isn't about enhancing the therapeutic benefits and
physical exertion; rather, it's about helping to reduce feelings of anxiety.
allowing the senses to wander and absorb Visitors to Miramichi are invited to
the forest atmosphere. The act of slowly step away from their screens and
walking, observing the light filtering schedules to immerse themselves in the
through the leaves, and breathing in the gentle embrace of nature. Whether you’re
phytoncides—natural oils emitted by forest bathing amidst the whispering pines
wood plants—has been scientifically or grounding along the tranquil river,
shown to reduce stress, improve mood, Miramichi offers a natural refuge that
enhance focus, and even boost the immune Photo by Stacy Underhill nurtures the body, quiets the mind, and
system. restores the spirit.
Grounding, another enriching practice, involves direct Bring along some birdseed and experience the joy of a
contact with the earth's surface—the simple act of walking feathered friend landing gently in your hand. Birds can often
barefoot on the ground. This contact helps stabilize the body’s sense our energy and emotions, and a calm, grounded state
natural defenses by realigning the electrical energy in your creates a safe and inviting environment for them.
body, leading to decreased inflammation, improved sleep, Experience the transformative power of nature in
less stress, and a general boost in well-being. The Miramichi. Let the forest rejuvenate your soul and the earth
Miramichi’s diverse terrains, from soft sandy beaches and ground your being.

Grounding, also known as earthing,

involves making direct physical contact
with the surface of the Earth, such as
walking barefoot on grass, rocks, or soil.

14 Mighty Miramichi River Guide 2024/25 | www.riverguide.ca