Lavender Field Bathing?

photograph Ruth Mundy

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,

all things wise and wonderful: in love, God made them all.

1 Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings,

God made their glowing colours, God made their tiny wings.  R

                                                       Voice United 291

There are delicate negotiatons in any relationship, even when it is nearly half a century in longevity. Yesterday we were in Prince Edward County for a swim and I actually suggested we stop by a lavender farm on our way to the place we'd chosen for lunch. It is the Lavender Festival week, dontcha know, and the plants are at their peak, but I had last minute misgivings when we found out the price of admission. Why pay good money to wander through a field?

Ruth was keen, though, so we forked over the cash since the debit machines across the province were on the fritz. It turned out to be a lovely contemplative sensory experience under a gorgeous sky. There were only handful of other people present so we sauntered along the rows, allowing our senses of smell, sight, and hearing to be caressed. Visually, the fields are amazing and the immersion was essential to our enjoyment. 

The thrum of bees was surprising, although it shouldn't have been, given the smorgasbord before them. There were thousands of beesm different kinds, working intently at the blossoms. And while they were only a few centimetres away from our legs they weren't at all interested in us. 

There was also the waft of lavender scent which wasn't overpowering but certainly present. Okay, there was a bit of flashback to elderly church ladies from our childhoods, but we could live with that. 

I'm going to say that taking this in with little other sound than the birds and the bees was a spiritual experience, an opportunity to connect with the Creator on a perfect summer day. It probably won't be quite the same this weekend with lots more people. 

There's been a lot written about Forest Bathing walks as contemplative, healing opportunities and they've grown in popularity. They are related to the Japanese shinrin yoku practice which encourages healing in nature.How about Lavender Field bathing?  I figure these folks could arrange to offer something similar with an emphasis on the senses. They could even work in taste at the conclusion with some lavender honey. Sound...smell...look...taste good? 

photograph Ruth Mundy