Rae has always been a special name to me. It was the name I wanted to call my second daughter as she emerged with red locks like the colour of the sun.

Unfortunately that was not to be so we named our dog Rae instead. Every cloud has a silver lining.

As I looked more into the meaning of Rae. I discovered its many different meanings across languages. In Scottish it meant ‘grace’ which was my dear grans name. I discovered too it meant ‘doe’ in English which is my spirit animal.

I felt even more connected to the name and as I pondered my journey of living with inflammation the other meanings struck a cord with me: ‘Wise Protection’ in German, and ‘Beautiful,’ or ‘unique’ in Spanish.

Quite often I have been frustrated with my body when it is having harder days. Feeling not as able, debilitated by pain, feeling a sense of loneliness and a burden on family and friends.

Inflammation affects many of us and for me a crucial part of me feeling good was to connect with nature. I love to walk and this is where daunder materialised. Daunder meaning ‘a stroll’

On researching the essential oil Cyress I came across the term “forest bathing” which came from Japan in the 1980s. It is considered a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku, which means “forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere.” The initial purpose of forest bathing was to encourage locals to value and protect their country’s forests and to take respite from modern technology while spending time in nature.

I think I shall apply the term bathing after all my favourite outdoor activities. I can hear the mountains calling, mountain bathing it is then.