How to find healing in nature

This episode first aired on January 14, 2021. We all know that nature can be healing, but sometimes it’s not just as easy as going outside. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we spoke with Zoë Presley, a Portland-based psychotherapist and forest therapy guide, to help us understand how best to find healing in the great outdoors. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, political unrest and economic stress, there are a lot of good reasons to seek refuge in nature right now. And while outdoor recreation can be great for physical health, going outside can also help heal trauma, depression, anxiety and other mental or emotional health issues. Accessing that kind of healing sometimes requires a completely different approach to spending time outside. Fortunately, there are plenty of places around the Pacific Northwest to practice. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: Finding healing in nature requires coming in with the right intention, slowing down and being in the moment. You don’t need an extraordinary view to experience awe in nature. Forest therapy is a specific approach to finding healing in nature that’s helpful for many people. Healing through nature can be even more important during the coronavirus pandemic. “Forest bathing,” which doesn’t require going to a forest. Subscribe to Peak Northwest anywhere you listen to podcasts. -- Vickie Connor and Jamie Hale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices