The Appalachian Trail begins at Springer Mountain in Georgia, then moves north, crossing 14 states, eight national forests, and six national parks before ending at the peak of Mount Katahdin in Maine. By the time backpackers (known as “thru-hikers”) arrive at Mount Katahdin, they’ve spent at least five straight months trekking along the 2,178-mile trail, the longest marked path in the United States.
The trail got its start a hundred years ago, in 1921, when a Massachusetts forester and conservationist named Benton MacKaye published an article laying out his idea for a walking path across the Appalachian Mountains. He believed that the stress and speed of urban life were bad for people’s health, so he envisioned the trail as a destination for worn-out city dwellers in need of recreation and refreshment in nature. When journalists asked what the trail’s purpose was, MacKaye’s reply was Zen-like in its simplicity: “To walk, to see, and to see what you see.”
In the century since, the pace of city life has only sped up, and we’re spending less and less time outside. MacKaye’s concern for our health, and his proposed solution of getting out into nature for a reset, are as relevant as ever.
While there are plenty of health benefits to hiking, hiking is also a great way to bond with friends and family, there’s a low barrier to entry, and it’s inexpensive. Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy your next hike from our founder, Jon Staff. For more tips, check out his book “Getting Away: 75 Everyday Practices for Finding Balance in Our Always-On World.”
1. Locate a Nearby Trail
You don’t need to live in the middle of the wilderness to find good places to hike. Many cities and towns have parks and other greenspaces with walking paths, and you can find good hiking trails just an hour away from many major cities.
2. Warm Up
One of the most common hiking injuries is a sprained ankle, but you can reduce your risk with exercises to expand your range of motion and build core strength, which will help to stabilize you on an uneven trail. Crunches, squats, and lunges will strengthen your core, while a resistance band can help to improve strength and extension.
3. Break in New Footwear in Advance
Blisters are a buzzkill. If you plan to wear new or rarely used shoes or boots on your hike, spend some time walking around in them in advance. While lightweight hiking shoes might feel comfortable right away, heavier leather boots may take up to a few weeks to soften to the shape of your feet.
4. Stay Safe
Check the weather a few hours before you plan to set out. Even if you plan to hike for only a few hours, bring a backpack with water, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, extra layers, and a basic first aid kit. It’s safer to hike with a partner, but if you’re planning to go out alone, make sure to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
5. Budget Extra Time
Hiking is usually slower than walking, since rugged terrain and changes in elevation will slow your pace. Depending on the landscape and your level of fitness, assume you’ll cover one to two miles of trail per hour. Add an extra hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. If you’re new to hiking, start with a shorter, easier trail, and err on the safe side by budgeting in a few extra hours.
Suzie Vinograd recently enjoyed a getaway at Postcard Cabins Shenandoah, where she took a restorative weekend to enjoy the benefits of nature. We asked Suzie, health and wellness coach — and a celebrated yoga instructor — to share with us some of her essential tips for restoration.
Morning Savasana (and Pranayama)
I know this might sound counter intuitive since you likely will have been resting all night, but enjoying a few moments of intentional morning savasana (corpse pose) before you actually get out of bed can neutralize, unwind, and relax the body from strange sleeping positions.
Turning the palms to face up alongside of you, allowing the heads of your thigh bones to relax, the feet to splay out naturally, guide yourself through some slow deep, methodical breaths. Beginning your day this way can help to relieve stress by calming the nervous system right from the get-go. Savasana doesn’t have to be saved for the end of a yoga practice to be effective, though it is the pinnacle posture that we’ve all been waiting for after a vigorous flow, too.
Happy Baby
As you are exiting savasana in the comfort of your bed (or if you have chosen to move to your mat), I highly recommend drawing the knees into the chest, giving yourself a tight little squeeze and rocking easily from side to side, massaging the low back, compressing the creases of the hips and rounding out the cervical spine as you hug your nose in towards your knees.
As you come out of this tight ball, bring the hands to the inside or outer edges of your knees, grabbing hold of your feet and allow yourself to take a little anandabalasana, to stretch the inner groin and length out the spine. Often times we crouch and curl when we sleep, so opening up the body first thing in the morning (or even prior to falling asleep at night) can be a great way to return to neutral, in body and in mind.
Our mind-body often mirrors our physical body (or is it vice versa?), so whether we are conscious of it or not, often times when we care for one, we may feel the benefits affecting the others.
Morning Sun Salutes
Even when I don’t have time to do a full practice first thing in the morning, I always feel better when I salute the sun upon waking. This doesn’t have to be vigorous, in a heated room, or in a studio to be effective. It can literally be done in the comfort of your living room, at the end of your bed, or better yet, the space right outside of yourcabin.
Just roll out your mat, and come to standing at attention (Samasthiti) at the top of your mat. Allow your feet to be hip width distance and your palms to rest at the heart. Allowing your movement to be inspired by your breath is not only restorative and safer for the body – creating space, warmth, and even a bit of strength as you stretch and move through your up dogs and down dogs – but it is deeply restorative for the mind. It can actually take on the quality of a moving meditation if you aim to establish a rhythmic flow.
Journaling
This isn’t one of the 8 limbs of yoga, but I find journaling before or after (or both) to be deeply restorative. It’s an important piece of repair- to clear the mind and cleanse the body of anything that it may be holding onto – good, bad or in between. I like to think of my yoga practice as one of my tools for pressing pause and returning to neutral, and it’s virtually impossible to return to neutral if you don’t know what could be in the way. Journaling could be free flowing or prompted – it could even begin with a mantra, or simply be a notation of gratitude, which has been scientifically proven to be deeply healing and an important ingredient for our longterm wellbeing.
I’ve been practicing yoga now for about 13 years and teaching for almost ten. The very first class I ever took was a hot yoga class, Bikram and then a Vinyasa Flow at a studio called Inner Fire in Madison, Wisconsin where I went to school. I quickly became hooked – devoting 2+ hours a day to get there and back (usually by bike from campus, or bus), to practice one or more classes.
Immediately, I started to feel the healing properties of the whole shebang – the flow of the postures, coupled with the music, the intensity of the heat, the wonderful instruction, the group energy – allowed my racing mind to find a temporary sort of ease; allowed my body to unravel all of the mental tension it manifested within, and allowed my heart to soften and surrender a bit. I was developing a discipline and devotion to something that I had not experienced since playing high school sports or my involvement growing up in the performing arts. Little did I know then that yoga would become a hugely integral part of my ‘adult’ path. All this is to say, I practice some form of yoga everyday (there are 8 limbs, so the physical practice, or the asana, is just one), and I have found several of these practices to be deeply restorative in nature, allowing me to reground, reset, and renew.
For more information about my services, or to follow along my spirited journey, you can visit suzievinograd.com.
We met Kathleen Booker ahead of a meditation event. We were immediately struck with her calming presence, and her incredibly intentional approach to breathing. She put the whole room to ease.
As she led a group of around 40 of us in a blissful meditation, she invigorated the whole room with her approachability, energy, vitality, and warmth. It is just this spirit that have drawn many towards her. She’s been invited by Oprah to host a breath work healing workshop at a screening event for a documentary around childhood sexual abuse.
As a survivor of abuse herself, Kathleen recognized that the audience was triggered. Dealing with their overwhelmed energy, their anxiety, and their stress, is where Kathleen shines. She’s found the healing power of breath, and she’s living proof of that herself.
We asked Kathleen to give us the rundown on breath work strategies we can use at home, or on your next getaway.
A Note From Kathleen:
The Breath has supported me to release a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety from the trauma…Thanks to the Breath, much healing has taken place within my mind, body and emotions.
I dance with joy in celebration FOR myself…I am CONFIRMATION of the powerful healing of Breathwork. I have had a personal Breathwork practice for over 15+ years.
Your Breath Heals: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Now let me be clear, there is still more healing for me to do. However, I am NOWHERE near where I was 10, 5, or 1 year ago — Thanks to the Breath.
World renowned integrative medicine doctor Andrew Weil, M.D. says “Practicing a regular, mindful breathing exercise can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.”
Breathwork 101
Medically speaking, Conscious Connected Breathwork releases cortisol/stress from the body and increases the good feeling endorphins in the body.
This is called homeostasis/balance in the body. With Breathwork, peace will prevail and permeate your mind and body.
Results from Conscious Connected Breathwork:
Releases anxiety/stress
Enhances sleep
Lowers blood pressure
Sharpens focus and concentration
and MORE!
How is the healing with Breathwork showing up in my life?
Gosh…Can ya say happy? There is a flow pervading happiness within me that has become my default energy.
And…Synchronicity of incredible opportunities are showing up: being invited to be a healer at Oprah’s event!!!
My relationships are deeply authentic and loving. I speak my authentic truth with heartfelt ease, and I am boundless energy!!
Breath Heals.
I always share with my clients: life is gonna life…Stuff is gonna happen.
However, the Breath gives us the ability to respond, not react, to what happens in life. This is the distinction. The response comes from a place of inner peace, balance, and focus – that is the power of the Breath.
Your Breath is your key to a Life Lived Vivaciously!
Earlier this season, Kyle Huber (@asenseofhuber) and Tiffany (@tiffpenguin) took a well-deserved escape to Postcard Cabins Asheboro outpost in North Carolina. After a packed schedule of photoshoots and work trips, they embraced the opportunity to unwind, connect with nature, and explore everything the local area had to offer.
Exploring Asheboro’s Hidden Gems
Kyle and Tiffany kicked off their trip by exploring the surrounding natural beauty, starting with the Pisgah Covered Bridge. This iconic spot is a hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful stroll and snapping some scenic photos. From there, they ventured into the town of Asheboro to visit the North Carolina Zoo, home to a diverse array of wildlife, and took the time to wander through local shops, picking up unique finds. For a delicious meal, they stopped by The Table, a local favorite known for its farm-to-table cuisine, offering a true taste of Asheboro.
Cozy Cabin Vibes at Postcard Cabins
Back at their cozy cabin, Kyle and Tiffany embraced the slower pace of cabin life. They made dinner over the firepit, enjoying the simplicity of a meal cooked outdoors, then spent their evening playing card games by the fire—an unplugged moment of fun and connection.
One of their favorite parts of the stay? The peaceful views of the pond near their cabin, where they could relax and soak in the serenity of their surroundings. As if nature hadn’t offered them enough gifts, the rain brought a delightful surprise—baby frogs! These tiny locals came out to say hello, making for a memorable and heartwarming encounter.
Unplugged, Relaxed, and Reconnected
Kyle and Tiffany’s visit to Postcard Cabins Asheboro was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. From exploring the local attractions to savoring quiet, cozy moments at the cabin, their time away was a refreshing reminder of the simple joys that come with disconnecting from the everyday and reconnecting with nature.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your own fall escape, take a page from Kyle and Tiffany’s adventure. Whether you’re hiking to scenic spots, visiting local towns, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of your cabin, there’s no better time to explore, unwind, and make new memories.
Follow Kyle (@asenseofhuber) and Tiffany (@tiffpenguin) to see more of their adventures, and start planning your own getaway to Postcard Cabins today!
We get a lot of questions from people wondering how to pack for a getaway. The best part about Postcard Cabins is we have almost everything you need waiting for you in your cabin.
You don’t need to worry about linens, shampoo and conditioner, olive oil and salt, or cooking utensils, and we encourage you to bring as little as possible to truly disconnect.
There are some items, though, that are a nice bonus to have around. We’ve put together a packing list of things you just might want for that summer escape.
Hammock
Just because it’s warm out doesn’t mean you can’t still do nothing. Bring along your hammock so you can enjoy the weather and read a good book or just lay back and relax.
Hat and Sun Protection
We all love being outside in the summer, but it’s important to take care of yourself as well. Don’t forget to grab that hat and sunscreen on the way out the door, so you can stay outside for longer. A good general tip is to try to stay out of direct sunlight from 10-4, as that’s when UV rays are the strongest.
Sun protection isn’t limited to sunscreen though – a good pair of sunglasses will go a long way if you’re looking to spend lots of time outdoors.
Bug Spray
For the indoors folks among us, we don’t need to worry so much about this, but if you’re looking to venture out, bug spray is a must. Mosquitos love this time of year, so in order to avoid those pesky bug bites, keep some bug spray handy.
Outdoor Gear for Your Pup
If you’re looking to get away with your favorite canine friend, don’t forget what they need during the summer. Maybe it’s a portable dog bowl to take with you on your hike, or their favorite outdoor toy. This is also the season where pests are particularly active, so making sure your pup is on a flea and tick medication is essential for their long term health.
Your Sense of Adventure
It’s one of our favorite times to get away – going on long walks on sunny warm days, and cooling off in our air-conditioned cabins. There’s no right or wrong way to get away. All you need is a good sense of adventure and excitement for what’s to come.
With these in hand, you’ll have more than enough to enjoy your stay. Don’t be afraid to hide in bed all day though; we do that every time of year.
A Light Layer
Some of the best moments of a stay at Postcard Cabins are spent curled up around a campfire beneath the stars. Make sure to pack a light layer to keep warm while roasting s’mores, swapping stories and lessons, and laughing with those who matter most to you.
If you’re searching for the perfect way to disconnect and unwind, a stargazing getaway at Postcard Cabins might be just what you need. Though located just a short drive from major cities, these cozy cabins offer dark skies and serenity—making them some of the best stargazing spots in the USA. Relax beneath a canopy of stars and reconnect with nature in a peaceful setting. Here’s what celestial sights to look forward to on your next Postcard Cabins adventure.
July
Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
Look to the western sky just after sunset on July 4 to spot Mercury glowing low on the horizon. This is your best chance all year to catch the elusive planet, as it reaches its highest point in the evening sky.
Full Moon
July’s full moon on July 10, called the Buck Moon, a reference to the time of year when deer begin growing new antlers. Also known as the Thunder Moon or Hay Moon, it marks a season of summer growth and gathering. Look for it rising in the east just after sunset for a golden, low-hanging moonlight show.
Moon Meets Saturn
In the quiet pre-dawn hours of July 16, watch as the Moon cozies up to Saturn in the southeastern sky. It’s a striking pairing and a great chance to spot Saturn’s glow with the naked eye—or its rings with a telescope.
New Moon
The night of July 24 brings a new moon, when the sky is free of moonlight and perfect for deep-sky viewing. It’s an ideal time to stargaze or search for distant galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae under truly dark skies.
Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower
This gentle but steady meteor shower peaks overnight on July 28 into the early hours of July 29. With a dim moon and clear summer skies, conditions should be ideal to catch up to 20 meteors per hour—look up after midnight for long, graceful streaks radiating from Aquarius but visible all across the sky.
June
Venus at Greatest Western Elongation
Venus shines brilliantly in the early morning sky this month, reaching its greatest distance from the Sun on June 1. Catch it rising just before dawn in the east—it’ll be one of the brightest objects in the sky.
Full Moon
June’s full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, rises on the evening of June 11. While it won’t appear pink, its name nods to the short and sweet strawberry harvest season in many parts of North America.
Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year arrives with the summer solstice on June 21, marking the official start of summer. Stargazing hours may be shorter, but the extended twilight makes for dreamy golden-hour views.
New Moon
On June 25, the new moon offers another opportunity for deep-sky observation. The absence of moonlight provides optimal conditions for viewing the Milky Way and other subtle cosmic features. This lunar event also encourages reflection and setting intentions.
May
Throughout May, early risers can catch Venus and Saturn low in the eastern sky just before sunrise—starting the month close together, with Saturn gradually climbing higher each day. In the evening sky, Mars and Jupiter are visible in the west for a couple of hours after sunset, with Jupiter setting earlier as the month goes on. It’s also a great time to learn the Corona Borealis constellation in the eastern night sky—perfect practice for spotting the anticipated T CrB nova expected in the coming months.
Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower
This meteor shower, typically visible annually between April 19 and May28, is set to peak in the early hours of May 6. While the two or three nights leading up to the peak can still offer some good sightings, the best viewing conditions occur after the Moon sets around 3 a.m., leaving the skies darker and more favorable for spotting meteors until dawn. This shower is especially noted for its bright meteors and long-lasting trails, with rates potentially reaching up to 50 per hour during peak times, however in the Northern Hemisphere, skywatchers can typically expect to see around 10 to 20 meteors per hour.
Full Moon
The full moon on May 12, also known as the Flower Moon, will bloom to the height of its illumination at 12:56pm EDT. The Flower Moon marks a celebration of spring’s arrival, a name rooted in Algonquin traditions reflecting the season’s abundance of blooming plants. This year, it will appear as a Micromoon, rising just after sunset and appearing slightly smaller due to its distance from Earth. It’s a perfect night to step outside and take in the changing season under a softly glowing sky.
New Moon
The new moon arrives on May 27, ushering in a dark sky ideal for stargazing. With no moonlight to interfere, it’s a perfect time to observe faint celestial objects like star clusters and distant galaxies. This lunar phase also marks a fresh start.
April
Full Moon
On April 13, bask in the brightness of April’s Full Moon, also known as the Pink Moon, as it is tied to the first spring blooms of wild ground phlox, often called moss pink. This Pink Moon will be at its fullest at 00:24 UTC, and since it is the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, signifies the Spring season is in full swing, marking the return of life after Winter.
Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
On April 21, catch Mercury at its greatest western elongation from the Sun, making the best time to spot the elusive planet. At its furthest distance from the Sun’s glare, look low in the eastern sky before sunrise to spot the pinkish planet before the Sun emerges above the horizon. Since Mercury orbits so closely to the Sun, it is most often in the sky at the same time as the Sun, making it rarely visible in the night sky.
Lyrids Meteor Shower
The night of April 22 and early morning of April 23 are the best time to view this annual meteor shower, which occurs each year between April 16th and April 25th. At its peak, the shower produces about twenty meteors per hour. For the best show, look to the constellation Lyra, from where meteors will radiate, however, the bright dust trails that last several seconds each, can be seen anywhere in the night sky. The thin waning crescent moon will pose little obstruction to view this celestial event.
New Moon
Experience the darkness of the new moon on April 27, when far-off galaxies and star clusters are easier to spot. The new moon phase is a time for introspection and new beginnings. Use this Spring new moon as a reset — escaping to nature solo, or with loved ones and friends — to set intentions, build new habits, and reflect on recent growth. It’s written in the stars.
March
Year of the Snake
As we settle into the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake is a time of transformation, wisdom, and renewal. Snakes are often seen as symbols of rebirth and adaptability, making this the perfect time to reflect and embrace the changing seasons. Use your escape to nature this month as an opportunity to connect with these themes and find clarity in the stillness of the woods.
Total Lunar Eclipse
Mark your calendars for the spectacular total lunar eclipse on March 14. During this event, the Moon will pass entirely through the Earth’s umbra (dark shadow), turning a mesmerizing rusty or blood-red color. Visible across North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America, this celestial phenomenon offers a rare and stunning opportunity to witness the Moon in a whole new light. Grab a cozy blanket, head outdoors, and prepare to be awed by this lunar spectacle.
March Equinox
At 08:58 UTC on March 20, we welcome the March equinox. This day marks a moment of balance, where the Sun shines directly on the equator, resulting in nearly equal parts daylight and darkness worldwide. In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the first day of spring—a time of renewal, growth, and budding blooms. For our friends in the Southern Hemisphere, it signals the first day of fall. Take this opportunity to reflect on balance in your own life as the natural world transitions into a new season.
New Moon
On March 29, the Moon will align with the Sun, creating a new moon phase. With the absence of moonlight, this is the perfect night for stargazing. The sky will be its darkest, allowing faint celestial objects—like distant galaxies and star clusters—to shine brilliantly. Whether you bring a telescope or simply lie back and enjoy the show, the New Moon is a great reminder of the beauty found in nature’s quiet moments.
February
Full Moon
On February 12 at 13:55 UTC, the Full Moon will illuminate the night sky in all its glory. Known as the Snow Moon by early Native American tribes, this lunar event reflects the harshest winter conditions, as February often brought heavy snowfall. Some tribes also called it the Hunger Moon due to the difficulty of hunting during these cold, unforgiving months. Spend a quiet evening by the cabin window, letting the moonlight reflect off the snowy landscape for a truly magical winter scene.
Saturn in Conjunction with the Sun
On February 15, Saturn will reach conjunction with the Sun. This means the ringed planet will pass directly behind the Sun from Earth’s perspective, rendering it invisible. Although we can’t observe Saturn during this time, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the wonders of our solar system and prepare for its return to the night sky in the months ahead.
Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation
At its greatest eastern elongation on February 20, Venus will be at its farthest point from the Sun in the evening sky. This makes it the perfect time to catch the dazzling “Evening Star.” Look west just after sunset to see Venus shining brightly, outshining almost every other celestial object. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss while enjoying your escape into nature.
New Moon
On February 28, the Moon will enter its new phase at 00:46 UTC. With the Moon completely hidden from view, the sky will be at its darkest—an ideal time for stargazing. Use this opportunity to spot faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters, free from the interference of moonlight. Find a spot away from cabin lights, bundle up, and let the infinite expanse of the universe leave you in awe.
January
Quadrantids Meteor Shower
The Quadrantids meteor shower peaks on the night of January 3rd and the early morning of January 4, offering one of the first celestial shows of the new year. Known for its above-average activity, the Quadrantids can produce up to 40 meteors per hour at its peak. This shower is thought to originate from dust grains left behind by the extinct comet 2003 EH1, discovered in 2003. With a crescent moon setting early in the evening, skies will be dark, providing excellent conditions for meteor viewing. For the best experience, find a dark location after midnight. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Bootes but can appear anywhere in the sky.
Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation
On January 10, Venus will reach its Greatest Eastern Elongation, at 47.2 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright “Evening Star” shining in the western sky after sunset. Venus will be a stunning sight, easily visible even without a telescope, making it a treat for both amateur astronomers and casual stargazers.
Full Moon
The Full Moon on January 13 will occur at 22:28 UTC, lighting up the night sky with its fully illuminated face. Known as the Wolf Moon by early Native American tribes, this full moon signifies the time of year when hungry wolf packs were heard howling outside villages. It is also referred to as the Old Moon and the Moon After Yule. The bright moonlight provides a wonderful opportunity to observe the moon’s detailed surface features, such as craters, valleys, and mountain ranges. It’s an ideal time for moonlit walks and nighttime photography.
Mars at Opposition
January 16 brings Mars to Opposition, marking its closest approach to Earth this year. Fully illuminated by the Sun, the red planet will be brighter than at any other time and visible all night long. This is the best opportunity to view and photograph Mars. With a medium-sized telescope, you can observe some of the planet’s dark surface features, like polar ice caps and dark plains. The reddish-orange glow of Mars will be a stunning sight, making this event a highlight for both seasoned astronomers and casual observers.
New Moon
On January 29, the New Moon will occur at 12:37 UTC. During this phase, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible in the night sky. This absence of moonlight offers the darkest skies of the month, perfect for observing faint celestial objects like distant galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. Whether you’re using a telescope, binoculars, or simply your eyes, the New Moon provides the ideal conditions for deep space exploration and astrophotography.
If you’ve scrolled through the mental health spaces of Instagram and TikTok, then you’ve probably seen Dr. Han Ren providing her audience with mental health tips and lessons. It’s an honor to share a quick interview we had with her about mental health to spread her knowledge and positivity just a bit farther.
Share a little about your background, what populations you work with, and why you do what you do. I’m a licensed psychologist with a group private practice based in Austin, Texas. I specialize in working with “overthinking overachievers” (anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing), Asian-Americans, and children of immigrants working through racism-related stress and racial identity formation. There’s a large overlap between these groups! My approach to healing is liberation-oriented, systems-informed, and attachment-focused. The majority of my clients are people of the global majority navigating their intersectional identities within systems of oppression and trying to find a balance between fitting in and belonging. I’m also an anti-oppressive educator and mental health content creator. My passion is helping people find ways to heal that center their unique lived experiences, that take into account the very real systems in which we live.
Which Postcard Cabins Outpost did you visit and what did you do (or not do) while you were there? I visited the Hill Country location in Wimberley Texas, about an hour outside of Austin. I take an annual Han Soulo (can you tell I love puns?) trip where I spend time alone, connecting to myself. It was rainy during most of my time there, but that wasn’t a deterrent! I loved watching the beautiful midnight thunderstorms through the huge window. I read, journaled, practiced yoga, pulled some tarot cards, and enjoyed the silence. I don’t generally love being alone, but I love that I’m developing my capacity for solitude.
What do you find restorative about getting outdoors? It’s grounding to be among life in their various forms, that isn’t manufactured and bound by time and man-made structures. It reminds me that life is always happening around us, and there is so much that’s bigger than ourselves. It’s humbling and gives me so much gratitude for the life I get to lead when I’m back in my man-made boundaries.
How do you find balance in managing life, work, and rest? I think finding balance is a verb. We’re never going to get to a place where we’re doing it perfectly, we swing too far in any direction, hit a limit, and then correct (and sometimes overcorrect). That’s all just part of the process. As long as I have eyes on all the important domains in my life and am really honest with myself about how much space each of these is taking up, I can find fluidity and calibration along the way.
How does being in nature improve your mental health? Being in nature allows us to connect to something bigger than us, more primal, grand, universal. It helps my spiritual growth to feel more aligned with the earth. We are animals after all.
Why is it important for your mental health to unplug and ritualize rest? We can’t pour from an empty cup! I find that when I’m most bound up by urgency, goals, deadlines, is when I least want to unplug. This is when grounding rituals become so important. We need to have predictability and routine built in that allows us to rest and recharge without needing to think or plan for it. Ideally we should have some routines for this at different intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.) so it remains a priority and we protect our rest.
How can we ritualize rest in our daily life when we can’t make time to get away? There are so many ways to ritualize rest. A morning stretch, a nighttime skincare routine, turning on/off your lights/devices in the same way, exercise, meal prep. All of these can become ritualized parts of our day that involve caring for and nourishing our bodies.
We get a lot of questions from people wondering how to pack for a getaway to Postcard Cabins. The best part about Postcard Cabins is we have almost everything you need waiting for you in your cabin.
You don’t need to worry about bedding, shower stuff, or cooking utensils and we encourage you to bring as little as possible to truly disconnect.
There are some items, though, that are a nice bonus to have around. We’ve put together a packing list of things you just might want for that warmer weather stay at Postcard Cabins.
A Rainjacket
“April showers, May flowers” is a nice phrase, but we know rain can strike at really any moment, especially in the spring. A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to cozy up inside with a good book and a cup of coffee, but in case you’re feeling adventurous, you might want some rain protection nearby.
Campfire Supplies
Now that the weather is warmer, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of a fire pit. Don’t forget to bring those extra hot dogs or the ingredients for your favorite campfire meal. If you need some recipe inspiration or some tips for starting your campfire, we’ve got your back.
Light Layers
The sun might be shining during the day, but it still gets a bit chilly at at nighttime, especially near our Outposts. Don’t forget to bring that extra vest or flannel so you can stay outdoors as long as you’d like.
Bug and Sun Protection
We think spring is the perfect time to head outside, but unfortunately so do the bugs. You might want to throw that bug spray in your bag on your way out the door. While you’re at it, grab the sunscreen too, so you can protect yourself from the bugs and the sun.
A Good Pair of Hiking Boots
Now that the snow has started to melt, it’s a great time to check out that hike you’ve been wanting to do. Don’t forget the right shoes though. With the sporadic spring rain, we recommend a pair you don’t mind getting muddy.
With these in hand, you’ll be more than ready to explore. Don’t be afraid to cozy up and do nothing all day though; we love doing that too.
