What is a forest therapy walk?
Some participants liken it to a meditative experience. I suppose it is like meditation in that you find yourself being “here” “now.” But, I don’t find that to be a complete description. It also can give those of us who aren’t familiar with, or who think we are not good at meditation a feeling of inadequacy before we even step out with a guide.
You may be familiar with some exercises where you ask yourself what you can see, feel, hear, taste & smell right now. That, to me, is what forest therapy is. It is open invitations to use your senses to experience the world around you. Only, it has the added element of the forest itself. The forest is the therapist. The guide just opens the doors. And as you walk through those doors, what happens next is really between you and the forest. But not in the “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” way. In forest bathing, you harvest those experiences between you and the forest. You might share a bit about them when you gather with the other participants between invitations. You take a bit of it with you back into your day-to-day life. Ultimately, the forest already knows you and knows what you are coming with each day and it will meet you right where you are and share with you exactly what you need in that moment.
The slowing down. The paying attention to your senses. The magic that is revealed. The sharing with others. Being heard. Listened to. Listening to others. Hearing them. Seeing them. Seeing yourself in the forest. Knowing the forest is your kin. You are different now.
Forest Therapy is for anyone. It is not a hike. There is no goal. Just come out and see what you are noticing.
Looking forward to meeting you in the forest!
xoxo, nicci
i am the wild
written as I was finishing up my forest therapy guide training in December 2020
