I have had the good fortune of visiting my close friends Tom and Barbara Miller in Alaska many times over the past decade. Alaska is not just a remarkably beautiful and pristine state, it also is a land of Alaskans who respect nature and understand the healing aspects of connecting with the outside world. During each trip I have made awe inspiring and delightful discoveries. Though I had more significant moments on this trip, I am going to share an event, though minor in comparison to the other exciting adventures that fill me with great joy.
Tom is an avid hiker. He and his little buddy Ollie (adorable poodle) have ventured numerous times into the trails surrounding the small seaside town of Hope. These vigorous hikes, through all seasons, are into the peaks of these soaring mountains. I can always count on Tom to push me through my fears and take me where I have never dared venture before. About 3500 feet above sea level there are 2 round lakes simply called Twin Lakes. The water is a sapphire blue color. To get to these lakes, you have to traverse along a steep climb, navigate next to an icy rushing waterfall and cross a strong stream by hoping from boulder to rock. Yes even Ollie was right along with us, prancing in joy along the way.
Relaxing at the lakes is perfect. Tom, always prepared, offers me a much-appreciated snack bar and cold water harvested from the waterfall. As we sit down upon the soft cushioned ground I notice that I am resting upon moss. But this is not the same moss I am familiar with covering the forest floor in the northeast, it is different. It is know as Arctic Moss, or Reindeer Moss.
What I realized, to my delight, was that this ground cover is the same type of moss that is being harvested to create our Indoor Moss Wall panels. While our moss doesn’t come from Alaska, it is collected in Scandinavia; it was still a magical moment connecting with something we are promoting as a Biophilic solution.
This technique today of incorporating nature into the built environment is called Biophilic Design. It is a new trend in design that is great for residential, public and commercial interiors. When we connect man with nature we can reduce stress, enhance creativity and clarity of thought, improve our well being and expedite healing.
It was easy to understand why over a thousand years ago, Zen Monks in Japan would plant moss on their walls and in their temple gardens to create a sensation of tranquility. For many, moss was an important element that facilitated a communion with nature, a break from the daily reality and an environment for meditation. This never felt truer to me then this moment sitting upon the mossy mountainside.
This is why I love Arctic Moss and I love providing indoor moss wall panels. For more information about Decorating with Fabric’s Interior Environmentally Solutions, click here>.
Below are some photos of my Alaskan hike:
{{cta(‘f9ed059d-548f-45c5-9026-4ed2b9bc9312′,’justifycenter’)}}