I absolutely love exploring in both nature and life. It brings me so much joy when I get to visit a new place or try a new experience.
A few weeks ago, I saw on the West Ridge Nature Park community calendar that there was an upcoming forest bathing event. I had heard the term “forest bath” from a friend a few years ago and loved how it put words to a concept I felt when I was taking a nature walk.
I signed up immediately and texted two good friends who joined. I told a few people that I was planning on going and everyone was so confused about what forest bathing could be. On my way out, my eight year old asked me, “What in the world is forest bathing? Do you need the bath toys?!”
Introduction and mindful walking
We arrived at the nature park and learned the forest bathing experience would be broken down into six parts: Introduction, mindful walking, meditation on the senses, walk with focus on movement, meaningful time with trees, conclusion and tea ceremony. After each part, we would pass around a rock and briefly share one aspect of the experience with the group.
Everyone introduced themselves and we began walking mindfully to the next location. The leader explained that she would be offering a series of “invitations” and that we could choose to join but could also experience nature in our own way.
Sensing nature
We arrived at a place in the park with a circular stone structure. We sat around the circle and our leader, Nina, led us in a mindful exercise where we experienced the five senses in nature. I really enjoyed this part, especially when I realized how I am often so focused on my nature walks either with birds or photography that I don’t often take the time to just stop and experience the details.
After the meditation, each of us shared one way we connected to the exercise. I enjoyed hearing how everyone experienced it in such a different way. One participant noticed the dichotomy between focusing on the details of nature while also being so immersed in the city.
The next part of the event was taking a slow, mindful walk while noticing the movement. It was just before dusk so I mainly noticed the plants gently swaying, but soon it was like all the birds and wildlife were suddenly soaking in the last few minutes of sunlight and started to move around.
Tree hugging and tea ceremony
Now it was time for a solitary walk through nature focusing on trees. She said we could notice the trees, bond with the trees, touch the trees or however we’d like to connect. She taught us how trees emit something called phytoncides which are a healing element and how nature just doesn’t feel good for us, but it really is good for us.
Nina explained that conifers have especially high amounts of phytoncides, so I found a little cluster of conifers and just laid down on them. I was already in such a present mindset from the previous invitations, and this part infused me with tranquility.
As I wandered back to the group slowly, I had this sense that I am just a passerby in the long life of trees. I also was filled with a sense of gratitude to the stewards who fought to keep this land as a nature preserve in the middle of the city.
The last part of the event was a tea ceremony where we shared our gratitude and then gave back to the land in the form of watering it. She then passed out hot apple cider from this adorable tea set and snacks. Even though I didn’t partake in the eating or drinking, I enjoyed sitting with the group talking about nature and how much we all appreciated the experience.
Reflection
I’ve always loved going out into the forest. As it’s almost my father’s 11th yahrtzeit, I’ve been thinking a lot about how when I was living at home my dad and I would take our dog named Bear out on walks in a nature preserve out in Aurora. I didn’t get enough walks with him, but I definitely treasure those memories and wonder if my love of the forest came from him.
After this event, I became even more inspired to focus on mindfulness in the forest even for just a few minutes. I’ve gotten into nature photography lately which has been such a fun new hobby, but I find that when I’m out in nature focused on learning how to use my camera or even just capturing a great bird picture, I don’t feel that abundant calm from just wandering.
At the end of the walk as the sun was setting, it started to get chilly and I wished that I had a jacket. I thought about leaving early, but didn’t want to miss out just because I was a little cold. This walk took place the Thursday before Yom Kippur and I was thinking about how when I am motivated to do something I can push past discomfort. I had been dreading the upcoming fast, but this moment taught me that as long as I stay focused on my passion for connection whether it’s nature, religion, and beyond then I can push through.
In the end, I think the term forest bathing is aptly named because just as a bath cleanses you from dirt, though the forest is covered with dirt it somehow has the power to cleanse what isn’t supposed to be there (I’m talking to you, stress!)
The experience wasn’t only healing for me, but I think it unlocked my newest dream to one day lead nature walks and help inspire others just as our guide inspired me. Hopefully, I’ll have some exciting updates on that end soon! 🙂
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