Arbor 037

Penned by the person you may know as Luke Dorny on or about April 22nd, 2024 via The World and then rested.

Forest — Driving down a local road near our home, I am always amazed at the incredibly green world, and the reward of such a place after enduring the wet weather all the time.
By: Luke Dorny Lic: CC BY-ND 4.0

Today is Earth Day, and later this week is Arbor Day. 🌲

Nature as Medicine

Planted Deck by Luke Dorny — Another Planted Deck, created by request after the first one sold out.

After recently discussing the benefits of living in or near a forest, I realized that today is a great day for me to talk about the forests surrounding us here in the Pacific Northwest. Is it possible that frequent walks in the forest benefit our prefrontal cortex? There must be a reason the Japanese and German) traditions not only exist but why is it so popular?

I should say that it’s likely that I “under appreciate” it. With large trees just outside my door and heavy undergrowth, it’s refreshing to be out in the woods during the dark and dreary winter months. Hashtag forest therapy, forest bathing(!), and Shinrin-Yoku.

The satisfaction I find simply by living in this incredible forest isn’t only gained by escaping my digital screens. It’s found in taking a moment to get outside, breathe in some fresh air, and think about what concerns in my daily life really matter. So there’s that to think about.

So I also wanted to explain that making art on wood panels and layered wooden sheets (which are then crafted to be pill-shaped rolling skate vehicles!) is rewarding on many levels. Which brings me to…

Taking Action

That’s why I’ve decided to do something to give back. For today, no, forever after, yeah, that’s the proper path, yes:

I’ll plant a tree on our property for every piece of art sold through CreamCo Studio. And that’s not just starting now, moving forward. I’ll do it for all the art I’ve sold. Oh, boy, that’s a lot of trees.

Decision made. It’s a small effort.

Giving Back

Planting trees is my way of giving back to the Earth that’s given me so much. It might not seem like much, but it means a lot to me.

So get out there and stretch your legs today, or perhaps just more often. Explore your forest or find a way to reconnect with the natural world around you in a way that works for you.

I’m lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful nature.