The Benefits of Forest Bathing
How Do You Forest Bathe?
By Renita Swan
Forest bathing, as I understand it, is being one with the land – with mother earth. What does this mean? Maybe it’s taking the time to stop and admire a tree or breathe in the fresh air as you are out in nature. Or perhaps it’s about tending to your garden with thoughts of warmth and love as the water from the can falls to quench their thirst.
My elders, and nature itself, have taught me that it’s the intention behind forest bathing that separates it from the everyday activities that we do. The intent, such as gratitude, then honours the spirit within mother nature’s lifeforms. This means that you are seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking and believing in what the forest and nature is telling you as you’re experiencing it. Much like a reciprocal exchange between a dear friend or someone I love, mother nature too gives back that same love and respect when I take the time to thank her.
In this thanks and love for the land, I am left feeling better. Some of the benefits I feel from it are a sense of calm, reduced stress, and improved memory, focus and energy. Whether I spend five minutes or five hours exploring the forest or sitting by a patch of flowers at a park, I instantly feel uplifted and on my way to a much better state of being.
I think two of the most beautiful things about forest bathing are that it’s accessible for everyone and secondly, it’s a way of life that humans have been embracing since the beginning of time. Let me share some examples with you. There are many instances in the week that I step outside to start my car, take the garbage out or water my indoor plants. In these every day or weekly tasks lie opportunities to ‘forest bathe.’
When I walk out the door to start my car I look up at the sky and thank the universe for another day. I take the time to notice the earth around me before throwing the garbage out. As I water my indoor plants, I think loving thoughts that in turn help the plant grow.
I encourage you to intentionally seek opportunities to interact with the earth around you in some way at least once or twice a week. You will feel the difference. Before long you’ll have created a happy habit of making your “forest bathing” experience your own. Remember, all it takes is even one minute of intentional gratitude towards something in nature every day to get started.