Forest Bathing
By Kylie Hansen
Wild People
Do you remember as a child turning over a garden rock, to find a damp collection of small creatures, Rolly pollies, spiders, worms, centipedes and so on? Most of us were eager to investigate the creatures we found beneath the stone. Though some of us were scared of spiders and all forms of creepy crawlies, we were still curious enough to lift the stone. I was one of those children, scared of what I may find beneath the rock, but still eager to look.
As a child I somehow made friends with one particular daddy long leg that had made its home on top of a rose in my mother's garden. We never touched, but I often inspected them, said hello each time I passed, and checked on them each time I was playing in the garden. I often found myself picturing them tucked beneath the petals each night, wondering about their day, and why they made that rose their home. Like most children I figured the spider would live there forever, unbeknownst to the passage of time, change and death. One day when I passed by the rose bush, and the spider was no longer there, I thought maybe they had simply found a new rose on the bush to call home. I searched each rose, hoping to see my long legged arachnid friend, but was ultimately unable to find them. I wondered for a long time where they went. Even now in my mid 20’s I think of them each time I pass my mother’s rose bush. Have you ever thought back to these times, what you investigated in nature, what enticed you to look closer?
Some days, I find myself feeling stagnant, not just in motion but in spirit. On these days I find myself being notably drawn to wild spaces. I don’t always have time to trek up the canyon, sometimes I only have an hour or less. Any park close to your house will work, I personally have a favorite park that is heavily wooded, filled with all kinds of birds, trails, and small wildlife. Walking here is something I do multiple times a week, on the days that I particularly need it, I take my time, taking the smaller trails that weave between the trees, stopping to see what bird is making that noise and walking by the fox’s borrow hoping to get a glimpse. Doing this always puts a smile on my face. On the days I have more time, I strap on my hiking boots, grab my backpack and jump in the car and drive myself to the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon. I have no real plans when I visit this place, only to let the forest guide each step I take. During this time I allow myself to investigate whatever catches my eye. My favorite has always been the river, letting my fingers sink into the icy cold runoff, seems to carry all of those stagnant feelings away. Have you ever found yourself feeling this way after time spent in nature?
This form of mindfulness, while innate in our youth, can be hard to recapture in adulthood. Miyazaki, a Japanese researcher, wrote an article titled “Preventative Medical Effects Of Nature Therapy.” In this article, Miyazaki talks about the benefits of Forest Bathing, a mindfulness practice that is oh so similar to the way we looked under garden rocks in our youth. This practice has taken Japan and Korea by storm, so much so that the forest services in these areas have designated trails, specifically meant for Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku. To practice Forest Bathing it is really quite simple. All one needs to do is to leave their phone at home, find a quiet natural space (this can be a local park, your backyard, or a hiking trail) and immerse yourself in your surroundings. Listen closely to what you hear, smell, and see. Be sure to use all your senses, and investigate what lies beneath the garden rock.
Please note that it is important to practice leave no trace principles, and be responsible stewards of the outdoors. For more information on leave no trace practices, please check out the short video below! Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you on the trails.