Enjoying Our Nature Bath

Today was zen. We began our FINAL week of Paddleboard Camp, and we went to Carvin’s Cove to learn all of our basic strokes. We were also joined by Dr. Sarah Henry from Virginia Tech who guided us through a Nature Bath. Nature bathing is an evidence-based mindfulness practice that is also proven to lower stress, improve immune function, and lower blood pressure.

We laid on our SUPs while deeply taking in sounds, colors, smells, and movements from the water, forest, and sky around us. Practicing mindfulness on a SUP made it even better, since the water surrounding us was calming and almost hypnotic.

You’d think these girls would have been bored out of their minds, but for over 30 minutes, they focused on their present surroundings. And they loved it! They said they felt relaxed and peaceful afterwards.