5 things I learned about forest bathing
The transition from corporate life to coaching life has been a breath of fresh pine and lilacs. A time to attempt a summer sabbatical while building a new business at the same time. A time to build personal resilience while learning how to educate clients on the same.
I'd heard about forest bathing and wondered if it was just a trendy title for a normal, leisurely walk in nature. Kind of like how potato chips are labeled gluten free when they are already gluten free. I read about the ideas and intentionality of it, and decided to try for myself.
Forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) is the practice of immersing yourself in nature with all five senses, but not to exercise--to be. It’s deemed a powerful way to reduce stress, restore mental clarity, and reconnect with your body and spirit. Letting your senses guide you, not your feet.
I chose a forested park but you can choose any quiet trail or wooded area. I set my phone to mute, applied sunscreen and natural repellant, and took 5 deep breaths. My inner pep talk reminded me there was no set time or destination and that I was here to receive not achieve.
For the next 40 minutes or so, I:
Walked slowly & silently: Moving slower than felt natural, stopping to touch or take in
Awakened my senses: Savoring the filtering light, wind, leaf textures, birds singing
Explored & toured: From the butterfly garden to buttercup daises, pond and walnut trees
Found a quiet resting spot: Sitting under a tree and staring up through it's canopy
Closed with reflection: Offering a short prayer of gratitude
Gently returned to my starting point: Observing new things along the way back
And here's what I learned:
It can be hard not to check steps/email--but you can resist and let that go (so freeing!)
Insects can interfere--yet you can dodge the spiders without entirely spoiling your peace
Participating is important--touching leaves, petals, rocks, branches is greatly grounding
You just may feel it in your heart/belly--a flutter of those things called..."joy" or "awe"
Your eyes might feel tired and heavy after--don't deny yourself that post bath nap
How I felt after (I did nap, my body was begging for it) was strikingly comparable to waking from a colonoscopy (if you know you know). To me, that meant a calmer nervous system, clearer mind, emotional reset and deep, utterly restful slumber if only for a short period.
In fact, with all the new found renewal, I navigated through an important and intense board meeting as board chair that evening. The dread and worry had been substituted with more clarity and confidence, a useful and tangible side effect of my soiree.
I left this experience feeling that forest bathing can be an important tool for emotional wellness and resilience for myself and clients. I certainly aim to continue creating space for receiving and not achieving in nature. Next up? Perhaps lazing with the lupines.
Joy Devins, Loon Rising, LLC
