It’s hard to know what to say and I’m finding it even harder to know what to do in these times.

I want to begin by acknowledging the pain, outrage, and grief many of us are feeling. It’s real and it feels overwhelming for sure.

As we welcome 2026, I wish you peace, love, and enough space to hear what your body, mind, spirit, and the land are actually asking for right now.

We’re told that January 1st is a fresh start.

But winter isn’t the season of new beginnings.

Almost 10 years ago, when Magic Tree Sanctuary opened, it was just me, my dear friend Bob, a beautiful forest in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and an occasional small group of guests. The land felt like a refuge, a spot where nature could work its healing magic on all of us. People came to walk the trails, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and feel the comfort the woods provided.

How do we stay open-hearted when the world feels so overwhelming?

Not long ago, a client asked me that question while we were walking together in the forest.

It’s a question I’ve asked myself, too.

If you come on a forest bathing walk with me, chances are you will be invited to go sit with a tree. Tree invitations are my favorite ones to offer. Why? Because I love to hear all of the beautiful insights people share when they return from their time with the trees. 

The forest works in mysterious ways.

This month, I had the honor of guiding 4 lovely guests through the forest of Magic Tree Sanctuary during a forest bathing event.

“You’re a brave woman, digging around in there.”

The woman’s voice startled me.

Somewhere I read it’s impossible to think while you are listening.

I can’t remember exactly where I read that, or who said it, but I know for sure when you are lost in thought, you tune out sound around you.