Are you interested in forest bathing to reduce stress and anxiety? Walking along a forest therapy trail is an easy way to tame frazzled nerves. I should know. I’ve done countless forest bathing sessions over the years and recently sussed out Western Canada’s first certified forest therapy trail, not far from Panorama Mountain Resort in BC’s Columbia Valley.
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Forest Bathing Meaning
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, you probably wonder what forest bathing means. It’s a Japanese wellness practice in which you take in all the sounds, scents, and sights of nature.
Forest bathing is about being purposeful in the great outdoors and letting yourself become mindful in nature. It’s typically done through either seated or walking meditation.
In Japanese, it’s known as shinrin-yoku, meaning “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “bathing in the forest.” This practice emphasizes the numerous therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature, promoting physical and mental well-being.
Forest Bathing Benefits
Speaking of benefits, spending time in a forested setting has been shown to lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, and decrease blood pressure. This leads to a reduction in overall stress and anxiety levels.
Evergreen trees are not just beautiful; they are also our allies in the fight against diseases. They produce phytoncides, natural compounds that help plants fight disease. When we breathe in these immune boosters, we empower our immune system, increasing our white blood cell count – specifically our NK cells, which kill virus-infected cells and tumour cells.
A Stanford University study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that those who walked in nature had reduced neural activity in an area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness compared with those who walked through an urban environment.
Want more proof? According to Harvard Health and numerous other research studies, forest bathing enhances health and well-being.
Forest Therapy Trail
If you’re looking for a reset, a chance to improve mood and mental well-being while also boosting your immune system, forest bathing is an easy activity to consider. Mere minutes from Radium Hot Springs lies Radius Retreat, a 1,000-acre off-grid retreat centre.
Here, you’ll find a forest therapy trail certified by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides & Programs. Sessions are led by Pat Bavin, an experienced and certified forest bathing practitioner.
What to Expect
During most forest bathing sessions, you’ll start by hiking slowly to a secluded natural spot. The initial objective is simply to immerse yourself in the forest environment, embracing the notion there’s nowhere else you need to be.
We gathered beneath an archway formed by intertwining branches. Our guide, Pat, explained that this was called the “threshold of connection” and would be our starting point.
“The idea is to create a relationship between you and the forest. There is no right or wrong way to do it. I offer an invitation. What you do out there is your business,” he said.
We proceeded in a single file, maintaining ample distance between each forest bather. Pat encouraged us to engage our senses fully, gently touching leaves, flowers, and even the spongy, moss-covered tree stumps. This tactile exploration helps release natural aromatics, enhancing the sensory experience.
Throughout the session, we maintained silence, focusing on deep, nasal breathing to fully inhale the rich, earthy scents of the forest. This mindful breathing technique affords a more profound connection with the natural surroundings.
Within a few minutes, I find myself appreciating how textured the forest is. My fingers glide over smooth blades of grass, a stark contrast to the rough, knotted bark of nearby trees. A tiny slip of a white butterfly floats past, and I recognize its grace and lightness.
Pat encourages us to attune our ears to the forest’s complex soundscape. As we inhale the pungent scent of evergreens, focusing on our breath, I’m struck by the acoustics. Despite our silence, the woods are alive with sound. Fallen branches crack underfoot, leaves rustle in a light rhythmic dance, and birdsong weaves through the canopy, creating a natural symphony.
The forest, I realize, is never truly silent. Instead, it offers an auditory experience I typically don’t dial into—especially when hiking.
Working the Senses
Our senses now awakened, we arrive at a clearing where tree stumps form a natural circle around a stone-ringed fire pit. Pat explains that our senses are gateways to present-moment awareness. Surprisingly, he reveals that humans possess 22 senses, far beyond the commonly known five. During this session, we’ll explore 14 of these senses.
Settling onto the stumps, we close our eyes as Pat leads us through a series of guided meditations. Each exercise is carefully crafted to heighten our sensory perception and deepen our connection with the forest environment.
When instructed to open our eyes, I do so gradually. As my vision adjusts, the world seems to unfold in vivid Technicolor. Droplets from a recent rain cling to leaves and branches, look to me like scattered iridescent sequins.
Walking in Motion
Our next exercise, “Walking in Motion,” encourages us to let our intuition guide our exploration. We’re instructed to allow our bodies to lead us toward areas that pique our interest or emanate a particular energy.
With heightened senses, I detect the distinct aroma of sage wafting through the air. I’m thrilled at the prospect of actually being able to forage edible plants on my own. My eyes scan the undergrowth, and though I don’t find any sage, I do spot a familiar sight: juniper berries. Though not yet ripe, I pluck one and cautiously nibble it, savouring its sharp, resinous flavour.
Reflecting on the experience later in my journal, I’m struck by a peculiar realization. Throughout this exercise, I felt completely at ease, not for a moment thinking about wildlife encounters. This sense of safety wasn’t due to the absence of potential dangers but rather a shift in my mind.
By connecting to the present moment and with my surroundings, worries about wildlife threats simply didn’t surface. I expected to feel relaxed while forest bathing, but developing a sense of comfort and peace in the great outdoors was an unexpected bonus. My perception of the natural world went from a place of fear to harmony in a matter of minutes.
Ancient C-Suites
We arrive at another clearing, tidy and inviting and adorned with a circle of tree stumps. Pat gestures to our surroundings and declares, “Welcome to the most ancient of boardrooms.”
Initially puzzled, I soon grasped his meaning. Here we are, seated in a circle, face-to-face, perfectly positioned to perceive the subtle nuances of non-verbal communication. This arrangement mirrors how our ancestors would have gathered to share wisdom and make decisions.
As we pass a talking stick, each of us shares our observations. I find myself describing the forest as a living work of art. I almost feel like I’ve taken a hallucinogenic drug as I’m so captivated by the perfection of the tiniest of dew drops upon a leaf.
After sharing our observations, Pat instructs us to find a tree that “speaks” to us – a personal “sit spot.” He explains that this practice involves selecting a location in nature that resonates with us, then sitting, observing, and connecting with our immediate surroundings. He provides prompts to guide our contemplation as we silently communicate with our chosen trees.
As I settle into my sit spot, I’m struck by the exquisite details of my tree—the intricate patterns of its bark and the play of light through its leaves. But beyond these physical observations, I notice another shift within myself.
My typically restless mind remains focused and present. I feel quietly connected, not just to myself and this tree, but to the entire living, breathing ecosystem surrounding me. I’m a part of this intricate web of life, and it’s a humbling realization.
Forest Bathing Tea Ceremony
Our journey culminates at the “Threshold of Completion,” marked by colourful Tibetan prayer flags flapping between tree branches. This final stop holds a surprise: a bulging shape on the forest floor, concealed beneath a tablecloth.
With a flourish, Pat unveils an enchanting scene. Delicate teacups rest on tea towels, surrounded by artfully arranged pinecones and wildflowers. As the practice of forest bathing originated in Japan, it’s fitting we finish off with a modified Japanese tea ceremony.
Pat foraged ingredients for our tea before we arrived. What has been steeping in what he calls a sun tea brew is vitamin C-rich fir needles, anti-inflammatory yarrow, and antioxidant-packed wild rose hips. We’re invited to inhale deeply and whisper a wish into our cups, infusing the moment with intention.
My tea smells of summer; its light golden hue is a happy reminder of sunny days to come. We sip in companionable silence, occasionally sharing our insights.
A palpable sense of gratitude permeates our group. We’ve been given a precious gift: the knowledge of how to forge a deeper connection with nature and, by extension, ourselves.
I was particularly struck by how good it felt to slow down and be still. I realized it’s something I can do anywhere. The next time I feel stressed, I don’t need to drive to a forest. I just need to go outside, breathe deeply, and take in the beauty around me.
Days after returning home, I noticed the leaves of our front yard apple tree fluttering in the wind. Impulsively, I sat beneath its branches. It took a few seconds, and then I realized with glee that I’d just discovered my own personal sit spot. It now welcomes me every day.
Know Before You Go
Because vegetation in the Rockies is so fragile, it’s not a great idea to strike out on your own and throw down a yoga mat just anywhere. Doing so may destroy the vegetation.
For your first few forest bathing experiences, go with a pro. Certified guides such as Pat Bavin choose appropriate spots to minimize our impact. As a bonus, he also has a better idea of where active wildlife is.
Save This Post for Future Reference
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