You’ve probably heard of forest bathing – which is essentially practicing mindfulness in nature.
Being fully aware of your surroundings and what you can feel, hear, see and smell.
Tik-tokers talk about a similar thing – silent walking.
Walking mindfully… and without a phone!
But have you heard of star-bathing?
It’s an emerging wellness practice, otherwise known as mindful stargazing.
Looking at the night sky, quietly tuning into your surroundings, being fully present and aware.
There’s plenty of research showing how being in nature is good for us – but most of this is focused on the daytime.
More research is now being conducted to explore the impacts of connecting with nature at night.
Star-bathing is also becoming a travel trend.
One article I read featured a retreat in the Yorkshire Dales, UK.
The writer described sitting in a bathtub (yes, literally, a bath) wrapped in blankets looking at the stars.
Now I’m all for trying something different, but coming from the UK originally, not a fan of being cold, and married to a Yorkshireman, this does not appeal to me!
But star-gazing does.
DarkSky identifies specific locations around the world that qualify for protection and stargazing recognition.
Australia has six such sites.
Just last year we visited Australia’s first official Dark Sky Park in Warrumbungle National Park, New South Wales.
Stunning!
Tourism Australia also lists seven great places to go stargazing.
We’ve experienced five of them.
But to be honest if you can get away from city lights, stargazing is pretty much amazing anywhere in Australia.
From lying on the beach in Port Douglas, to driving down to our local dam and spotting a comet, to watching the moon rise over Uluru.
Reach for the stars and allow yourself to be awed.
Become truly star-struck!
Ann 🙏