'Bathing In The Fae's Breath' is a book of stories, poems and coaching that responds to how we long for and desire to 'escape' into Nature. There are references to forest bathing, mindfulness, tree mythology, ogham and other Celtic mythologies Not so long ago, Nature was where our ancestors resided and survived from. Today with our systems of farming, manufacturing, distribution and communications many of us seem to have been culturally and emotionally detached from 'Our Forests' and wild nature. Our lives are no longer dedicated to living the instincts, inspiration, and even Divinity served by the realm of Nature. Instead, we regard ourselves as separated from Nature, yet long to escape there, relax, and relieve anxiety for awhile, and then we leave again. Do you discover that the forests, along with coasts, mountains, prairies and wetlands are still our best sanctuary for relief, for nourishment, and for any needed healing? You may wonder about this word, 'Fae'? This is a word from what is now mainly Scottish tradition. In Ireland people talk more about the 'Fairies' as a culture of 'little people'. In my work, I do not speak about the fairies or the 'fae' as being sweet little beings with wings. In the mythology I share, the Fae is the unseen ebbing and flowing presence that orchestrates the mysterious flowing diversity of Nature through all weathers and seasons. If we pause, we may sense it all dancing around us, and it may seem like mischievous weaving work of several unseen beings, that have helped to keep bards and storytellers in work for 100s of years. We used to revere this through our seasonal celebrations. 'Bathing In The Fae's Breath' is an invitation to let the 'Fae's Breath', within the forests, dissolve all that obstructs our senses. By doing so, we become free and Present. Nature changes from being a place to escape, to becoming a place of presence that heals, inspires, and motivates us. By doing so, we recognize Nature as being what we are always part of, and not as something to control, avoid, or visit sometimes. Though 'Bathing In The Fae's Breath', I offer to share inspiration, entertainment and hands on things we can do to restore us when we visit woodlands and forests. Through this book there are journeys and realms to dream about, stories and situations to laugh at, and, of course, a few trinkets of Celtic blarney to question and wonder about. You may be aware of wonderful teachers that describe their work as facilitating Forest Bathing, Forest Mindfulness and Forest Therapy. I interpret what they offer as encouragement to go 'Bathing In The Fae's Breath', which is how I, the Woodland Bard they call me, interpret the Gaelic phrase, 'Boladh na Sióga (bowla na sheega)'.
