When I first heard the term “forest bathing,” I was intrigued. I must admit I didn’t know what it meant until last week, when I decided it would be a “cool” thing to experience while on vacation.  

Of course, much to my dismay, after researching “Where to go forest bathing near me,” the results revealed that forest bathing is something I’m already well-versed in; I do it daily, actually (and I highly recommend it). It is nothing more than heading out into the woods and letting all the senses soak everything in — the sights, sounds scents … 

And so, I had to find another “cool” thing to do that was as intriguing as forest bathing sounds — and I did find something. Maybe I’ll share what I actually did on my vacation with you in a future publication. For now, I’ll just say that I took some much-needed time off last week — and I’m feeling refreshed and recharged.  

Time off (at least for me) means no screens and definitely no work! And since, for me, the two go hand in hand, I made sure to inform mostly everyone at work that I would be untouchable for a few days. While I can’t share all the details about what I did on my days off, I can tell you that I was surrounded by nature. 

Coming back to work on a week when I am debuting the newly created special section called “Farm to Table,” which will be shared at the end of each month through fall, has been the perfect segue from vacation to work — especially for the specific story I chose to feature, which is all about lavender.  

Aside from its naturally soothing scent, lavender (apparently) has many practical uses, so please check out the story to learn more about it and about the two local farms that have partnered to make it readily available to the community.  

The entire section is about farms, farmers, farmers’ markets and all the “cool” stuff they do in our communities. Maybe I should have visited a farm for my “cool” adventure while on my vacation?  

Learn about when and where the farmers’ markets will be available in the area, as well as the strawberry picking schedule, and meet our new contributing writer, Sophia Carpenter, who shared her story about strawberry picking at Sweet Berry Farm along with a tasty recipe for strawberry shortcake.  

I have been happily busy these past two days, hustling to get it all together for my approaching deadline, and it was my time in nature that gave me this energy. 

Still, when I first got back, and was asked, “How was your time off?,” I responded by saying, “I think I’m ready for retirement.” I do wish there was some serene place in the forest where “forest bathing” meant something entirely different — that’s where I’d retire to … 

What about you? Where would you go?  

Michelle Mercure is editor of the East Bay Life section. Contact her for story ideas, comments, and suggestions at mmercure@eastbaymediagroup.com.