Forest Bathing
On Solitude and Silence
August 21, 2024Forest Bathing
“In the forest, there’s no need to try to relax. Just go outside and Nature will work her magic to relax and restore you.” Julia Plevin, The Healing Magic of Forest Bathing
Last weekend I was excited to attend my first forest bathing session, guided by Dee Aebischer, in the beautiful woods surrounding Hawkwood College in Stroud.
The Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, or forest bathing, involves walking slowly through woodland, connecting to nature through all five of our senses. Bringing our rhythms into step with nature allows us to draw on the many benefits the natural world provides.
Research has shown that forest bathing has benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing including:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Lowering of stress
- Improved cardiovascular and metabolic health
- Lowered blood-sugar levels
- Improved concentration and memory
- Lifting depression
- Improving energy
- Boosting the immune system
- Better sleep.
Dee took us through a series of activities, and we were encouraged to switch off our phones and remain silent throughout. There were opportunities for both personal, mindful reflection and space to share thoughts and observations within our small group.
We began by walking very slowly and, as someone who walks with purpose, I found this challenging at first. Focusing on our breathing we began with the sense of touch, noticing the pressure of our feet on the ground as we walked. Inhaling the fresh air of the forest we made our way to the circle of logs where, with eyes closed, we listened to the changing soundscape. I paid close attention first to what was nearest and then in layers I absorbed more distant sounds.
We were invited to select a tree (my favourite part!) and spend some time getting to know it. I chose a nearby yew tree and what struck me was how it had created a circle of protection from its nearest neighbours. It was a young tree and with a uniform shape.
I approached it as I normally do by silently asking permission to come a little closer. As I stroked its bark I felt safe within its protective embrace. After a few minutes I felt the need to stand back a little and as I closed my eyes I held my arms wide absorbing the light of its energy field, it was a sacred, humbling experience.
Walking further into the forest we were encouraged to observe the different leaf shapes from each tree species and notice how plants such as holly and ivy express themselves differently in woodland.
We followed a narrow path to the atrium of stately beech trees where we relaxed on our yoga mats and took in the view into the canopy of leaves.
Dee had brought along some hawthorn tea for us to taste alongside some dried apple and we were encouraged to look for an object to take home to remember our time in the forest. I chose a perfectly formed dried beech nut which now sits proudly alongside an acorn on my altar.
Of all the senses my sense of smell was most prominent, and I noticed how my chest cleared after breathing in the natural aromatherapy scent of the evergreen trees. It was very calming and the slight stuffiness and cough I had when I arrived released and has remained so some days later.
We ended our time together with hot chocolate by an open fire and biscuits made from the puree of the roasted nuts of the sweet chestnut tree which met us at our journey’s end.
Spending four hours in the forest was the perfect invitation to become curious about the relationships which exist there, how trees nurture and support each other – there is total acceptance and no judgement – a perfect metaphor for a peaceful world.
forest – for rest
