Fall 2022 - The Journey of Connection to Nature and Self “Forest Bathing”

With fall there is change in the air, in the damp of lush forests, in the colour of leaves. There is an inner shift, felt by everyone, as bright daylight wanes to darker hours. We say goodbye to summer’s heat and welcome the cooler, fresher air of Fall.

This seasonal shift got me thinking about the significance of forest bathing, where we spend regular time in nature to connect on a deeper level to ourselves and our breath. To feel the healing that time outdoors brings to our emotional and mental health.

Forest bathing is simple and easy. It’s not walking through a forest in a bathing suit, nor does it require you to spend lots of time or climb mountains. It’s simply a mindful hike, brief or extended, in a forest environment, with focus and an intention to slow down and bring awareness to your surroundings. You engage all your senses as you see, touch, hear, smell and taste the gifts that Mother Earth has to offer.

The history of humans is one with nature. We evolved to live and connect, to restore and relax, in natural surroundings. Modern living, however, means we spend most of our time indoors and in vehicles—nearly 90% of our time for North Americans, in fact.

Our physical bodies no longer move enough or take in enough fresh air. This “Nature Deficit Disorder” (an actual term!) creates continuous and progressive stress on our brains and nervous systems. It feeds the fight-or-flight response, often boosting it into overdrive for extended periods. We don’t rest and digest enough, leading to higher blood pressure, increased cortisol in our blood, more pain, more dysfunction of breath and more cognitive disorders, along with other health issues.

I have spent much time lately reflecting on my Fall 2021 Journal, about the journey with Team Happy Feet, traversing the Lions Mountains to honour the passing of my mom. This was a difficult time for me, made worse by COVID-19 restrictions, my dog’s illness and having to restructure my business. I was indoors far more than I liked. I wasn’t getting out to run or to the gym. I wasn’t spending in-person time with friends and clients.

The long, arduous hike that day, and the focus on my mom’s passing, greatly reinforced the healing power of natural surroundings—especially with people I enjoyed. Team Happy Feet shared the intention to move, to be outdoors and, most importantly, to support one another’s mental and emotional health as we moved through a time of fear and uncertainty.

Venturing into the mountainous forest, the comfort and calm of nature allowed us to flow, to move and think with ease, to listen and share with each other on a deeper level amidst a safe and healing environment. This was forest bathing, and the experience nurtured all Four Elements of our health-- Physical, Mental, Emotional and Social.

Forest bathing, however, doesn’t have to mean climbing mountains or enduring such a long, arduous hike. But when the Lions became our goal, it spurred us to a serious commitment of spending time in nature beyond that day. It became an intentional journey that supported a deeper healing and connection to self through connection to nature.

Forest bathing provides opportunities to breathe better and deeper. It helps establish a meditation practice as you connect to yourself on a deeper level. By remaining present, by slowing your mind, you gain control over your emotions.

To achieve the benefits of true forest bathing, all you need is some quality, focused and consistent time where you can engage all five of your senses in natural surroundings. Hear the trees move in the wind or the music of a flowing river. Soak in the many colors of leaves or the different dimensions of trees.

Feel your heel strike the forest floor. Feel the depth of your breath and the fresh air flowing on your face. For a more sensual experience, taste the lichen from trees or the coldness of water as you rehydrate.

Smell the freshness and cleanliness of nature all around you. You’ll find yourself gaining presence. You’ll let go of things you can’t control. You will breathe and become more aware of how you breathe.

Studies show that forest bathing provides many benefits that support not only our physical health but also our mental, emotional and social well-being. Time in nature decreases stress and anxiety. It lowers blood pressure and inflammation while improving immunity, focus and creativity. It boosts energy and mood. Whether you choose to venture out on your own or with others, the comfort and safety of nature supports you with a sense of community and belonging.

My purpose with this season’s journal is ultimately to educate, motivate and inspire you to spend more time outdoors, to slow down and appreciate the benefits of moving in the natural world despite the shift to inclement weather. I encourage you to explore the relationship you have with yourself as you rely on the support of nature.

In this process of connection, you continue to honour the rhythm and flow of your Four Elements of Health* journey, which will help you to not only move better but feel better.