A Bush Run, a Book, and a Lot of Fun-gus

I decided to actually warm up before the gym the other day. Not on the treadmill. Outside. Through the bush.

And it turned into something fun(gus). (Sorry. Not sorry.)

Because there were mushrooms and fungi everywhere. Clustered on fallen logs. Spiraling up tree trunks. Little umbrella ones standing perfectly alone in the leaf litter. I stopped. A lot. I took photos. Even more.

I couldn't help it. They were fascinating.

And it ties in with the book I've been reading — called Ikigai. It's a bestseller about finding your why — your reason for getting up in the morning, your sense of purpose.

One part of the book talks about Shinrin-yoku. Forest bathing. It's a Japanese practice of simply being in nature. Not rushing through it. Just being in it.

Turns out my bush run was exactly that.

Because when you stop and actually look — really look — at something as humble as a mushroom pushing up through the leaf litter, it's hard not to feel a little bit of awe.

Nature has a way of reminding us to slow down. To notice. To wonder.

Hope this is a sign for you to spend some time in your forest, beach, garden, or park today.

With sandy hands and a salty heart,
Rina