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Wellness Tip: Breathwork 101

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!

Features | Partnerships

Featured Guests: Photographer and Content Creator, Kyle Huber

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!

How to Getaway

How to Pack for a Summer Getaway to Postcard Cabins

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.

Features | Guest Stories | Partnerships

Featured Guests: A Q+A with Dr. Han Ren, Ph.D. on Finding Balance

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. 

@drhanren

How does getting away alone improve your mental health? #getawaypartner

♬ Flowers – Miley Cyrus

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. 

How to Getaway

How to Pack for a Spring Getaway

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.

Spring Cabin

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

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.

Artist Fellowship | Features

Meet an Artist Fellow: Visual Artist, Ngoc-Tran Vu

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu

Recovering in nature through the Artist Fellowship has been a true blessing. It feels like a soft exhale after months of navigating the intensity of recovery, community projects, and the endless demands of life. Here, amidst the trees and the quiet, I’ve been reminded of the profound wisdom in Lao Tzu’s words: nature moves at its own rhythm, unhurried and steady, yet everything it sets out to do is completed.

There’s something so healing about stepping out of the usual pace and surrendering to stillness. Waking up surrounded by the whispers of leaves, sipping tea while watching the morning light filter through the trees—it all feels like a gentle reset for my spirit. There’s no rush here, no pressure to produce or perform. Just being is enough, and that’s a lesson I hope to carry with me when I leave.

In solitude, I’ve found clarity. Space to reflect on what matters most: my health, my loved ones, and the creative energy that fuels me. There have been moments of inspiration too—sketching as the sun sets, writing by the campfire, and letting my thoughts wander without constraint. Nature has a way of grounding you, of reminding you that even in stillness, growth is happening beneath the surface.

This fellowship has been more than just a retreat; it’s been a reminder to honor my body’s need for rest and to trust the natural flow of my journey. Gratitude fills my heart for this opportunity to slow down and be nurtured by the simplicity of this place.

To everyone who needs to hear this: it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to take your time. Nature doesn’t hurry, and neither should we. 🌱✨

Boston | Local Guides

Explore Postcard Cabins Blake Brook

Your getaway is about finding time to disconnect in order to reconnect—whether with family, friends, or nature. To learn more about the location, read our guide to the Outpost. After a restful break at one of our cabins, there’s plenty to do on your way home to explore. From art museums to state parks, each of our Outposts is surrounded by plenty of relaxing and fun activities, whatever may pique your interest.

Here’s our Blake Brook Outpost guide to nearby attractions and things to do along the way:

Exploring Nearby
Spend your day further afield and come back to your cabin to relax after your adventures.

Pawtuckaway State Park
With a lake for swimming, a marsh that’s home to a variety of wildlife, miles upon miles of hiking trails, and even boulders for climbing, you could easily spend the whole day roaming around Pawtuckaway State Park, and it’s only about a 30-minute drive from your cabin.

Lake Winnipesaukee
The largest lake in the state of New Hampshire offers plenty of activities in any season. About an hour away from your tiny home, you can swim, boat and fish when it’s warm, or bundle up and ski or ice fish in the snowy months.

Gilmanton Winery & Vineyard
If the weather doesn’t cooperate or you just are in search of a more relaxing day, you can head about 30 miles north to Gilmanton Winery. Enjoy a lovely view of the vineyard while sampling a flight of the wines. Follow your tasting with a delicious dinner or visit on Sunday for brunch. And if you explore the grounds, you just might find a couple of barnyard animals who call the place home, including Olive, a juliana pig that loves to be pet.

Northwood Lake
If you don’t want to venture far, drive just 15 minutes to nearby Northwood Lake, a beautiful and popular fishing destination. US Route 222 runs along the lake’s northern bank and is dotted with shops and restaurants, such as Northwood Antique & Collectible Center, Northwoods Brewing Company, and Northwood Diner.

Walks in the Woods

Take a trip down one of these nearby hiking trails in your Getaway cabin backyard.

Oak Hill Trails
Distance: 5.8 miles, about 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on-leash
For a long but not difficult hike, try the trail leading to the old fire tower. Climbing the fire tower will provide you with a lovely panoramic view of the area.

Bear Brook State Park
Distance: 3.4 miles, about 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed on-leash
If you find yourself craving some calming time by the water, Bear Brook State Park is your ideal destination. During warmer months, you can go for a swim or stroll along 40 miles of trails, leading to ponds, bogs and marshes. Catamount Trail is a scenic hike through the woods.

Road Trip Curiosities

Start to disconnect from your daily life and explore something new before you even reach your tiny home by visiting these destinations along the way.

Robie’s Country Store
9 Riverside St, Hooksett, NH 03106
Much more than just a simple country store, Robie’s is a historic spot that is well worth the visit – and many politicians agree, as a huge part of its history is campaign stops by presidential candidates over the years. The current building has been standing since 1887, so you can peruse history, get a delicious meal at Roots Cafe, and pick up local New Hampshire products to take back to your cabin, just twenty minutes away.

On the Local Menu

Blasty Bough Brewery
3 Griffin Rd, Epsom, NH 03234
Within walking distance from your cabin, this hidden gem serves up local flavors rooted in tradition. Dogs are welcome, and you can even get a discount on tasters if you let them know it’s your first stay at Postcard Cabins.

Country Cook’n At The Circle Restaurant
935 Suncook Valley Hwy S, Epsom, NH 03234
Enjoy comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this family-owned local favorite.

Cleveland | Columbus | Local Guides | Midwest | Pittsburgh

Experience the 60th Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike

On January 18, 2025, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Hocking Hills State Park by participating in the 60th Annual Winter Hike. This cherished tradition offers a unique opportunity to explore the park’s stunning landscapes, from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave, blanketed in winter’s splendor.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
  • Time: Continuous starts between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
  • Starting Point: Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center
  • Distance: 6 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate; suitable for hikers in good physical condition
  • Cost: Free; donations appreciated for refreshments and shuttle service

Hike Highlights:

  • Old Man’s Cave: Begin your journey at this iconic landmark, named after hermit Richard Rowe, who once inhabited the cave. Marvel at the impressive rock formations and frozen waterfalls that make this area a winter wonderland.
  • Cedar Falls: Approximately halfway through the hike, you’ll encounter the majestic Cedar Falls, where water cascades over cliffs, creating stunning ice formations. Here, the Logan Kiwanis Club traditionally serves their famous bean soup and cornbread muffins to warm hikers (donations appreciated).
  • Ash Cave: Conclude your trek at Ohio’s largest recess cave, Ash Cave. The towering cliffs and serene environment provide a perfect end to the hike. At Ash Cave, local organizations often offer hot beverages and snacks for hikers.

Additional Information:

  • Shuttle Service: A complimentary shuttle bus will return hikers to the Old Man’s Cave parking area from Ash Cave.
  • What to Bring: Dress in layered clothing suitable for winter weather, wear sturdy hiking boots, and consider bringing trekking poles for added stability on potentially icy trails.
  • Pets: Leashed pets are welcome; ensure they are accustomed to cold weather and crowds.

Accommodations:

For those looking to extend their adventure, consider staying at Postcard Cabins in Hocking Hills. These cozy cabins provide a perfect retreat after a day of hiking, offering amenities like fireplaces and hot tubs to help you unwind and warm up.

Plan Your Visit:

The Hocking Hills Winter Hike is a popular event attracting thousands of nature enthusiasts. Arriving early is recommended to ensure parking and to fully enjoy the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, this event offers a unique opportunity to witness the serene beauty of Hocking Hills in winter.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a longstanding tradition and create lasting memories amidst the natural splendor of Hocking Hills State Park.