Your Senses Are Your Sanctuary: 

Imagine you are walking through a forest.

You observe the soil, the trunks of the trees, the undergrowth and branches, the leaves.

The rain has just been falling, leaving a rich and pungent, earthy smell in the air — that glorious rich scent of petrichor.

It is no longer raining, so you walk further, taking in your surroundings. The warmth of the sun radiates in scattered light through the forest.

You have no plan of where you are going, and because you have no plan, you are free to immerse yourself in this journey.

This is your forest — your sanctuary.

You breathe in the fresh, clean air and exhale fully, preparing yourself for the inhale that brings with it a fresh new scent.

As you walk, you notice the different smells — the sweet nectar of the flowers, the earthy smell of the soil, the fresh green smell of the lush blades of grassy plants.

Each scent brings with it a separate feeling.

In the distance, you hear a running brook.

Curious, you step closer to hear its gurgling and singing, and you listen.

It seems almost like it’s speaking to you. You stay and listen for a while.

You crouch down to touch the earth, feel the bark of the tree next to you with your hand, you gaze up to see it towering over you. You reach out your hand, gently letting the water of the brook trickle through your fingers.

The soil is wet and textured to the touch; you trace the caverns and raised ridges of the bark with admiration. When you make contact with the water, you have the feeling of stroking the softest silk, dancing through your fingers.

You stand again, and the warm golden rays of the sun touch your whole body so that you feel you are glowing.

You take it all in and take time to cherish the sanctuary within your senses, knowing you can always access this forest and all that comes with it.