I'm back in Portland after a month-long road trip from Denver.

Through Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon, and Washington.

It was nothing short of magical. Partially due to the people + experiences had along the way. And in big part, because of the time spent with the trees.

When I was in Oregon last year, a word + concept came into my world.

Waldeinsamkeit

It’s one of those words that doesn’t directly translate to English.

(side note: those kind of words are my favorite…I have the Portuguese word ‘saudade’ tattooed on my ribs and I love the mystical + melancholic vibes many of these words have.)

Waldeinsamkeit loosely translates to the feeling of “forest loneliness”.

It’s a German concept of being alone in the woods, solitude, and a connectedness to nature.

Another translation describes it as the enlightened + sublime feeling that can come from being alone in the woods.

Sounds a little psychedelic, huh?

When I first encountered this word, I’d been spending many hours + miles alone in the forests throughout Oregon so it was no surprise that this idea deeply resonated with me.

I started to experience and understand that it wasn’t just the connection to nature and something bigger than me that I felt while I the forest. I also felt deeply connected to myself on those trails of solitude.

The past few years have involved a ton of change, grief, possibility, tragedy, and expansion in my world. Transition continues to be a major theme in my life. Different paths are presenting. Various options that will impact the trajectory of my life in some potentially profound ways. My brain is sorting through lots. And my heart feels open in big + magical ways like never before.

It's exciting. And even exciting opportunities can bring overwhelm.

With so much possibility ahead, I’m grateful to find myself once again within the trees of the PNW.

The forest continues to prove itself as a place where I can truly connect with myself. I can experience curiosity and clarity. Inspiration and rootedness.

All things I’m craving right now.

I'm curious to know, where are you feeling most connected to yourself right now?

Your purpose?
Your clarity about life?
Reply and let me know. I'd love to hear!