It’s a near perfect sunny day for this 28th day of the Ultimate Blog Challenge. The house was cool in the morning with cool breezes through the open windows. We are moving through the summer season. The trees are casting longer shadows, providing shade on my morning walk.I am living in an urban forest. Trees flank both sides of the street as far as my eyes can see. The guided forest bathing session on Sunday is still fresh in my memory. I am using it to practice wherever and whenever I am awake and aware to my surroundings. I do not need to make a special trip to a special place.

I try to remember the exercises and the questions. The first is where do I feel most at home. I do feel quite at home walking down my street towards the mall. What is moving? What do I hear? Traffic is the answer to both questions. The movement and noise do not bother me. They are what I am used to having lived on this busy street for so many years.

But it is the first time that I took notice of the many trees that flank both sides of the street and the shadows they cast. It is also the first time I felt the bodily pleasure of walking this street. This street is my friend.I feel safe and loved as if the branches are holding me in their embrace. In this moment I am content and happy.