Forest therapy

The practice of forest therapy aims to take us across our self-imposed edges with nature and remember our place within the whole. It guides us to gently once again form a tending relationship with the world around us.

The reality is most people don’t spend time in nature, or if they do are often distracted doing something like hiking, riding, surfing, swimming – we don’t meaningfully interact.

As well, the word "nature" used in our culture has it removed from us as something “out there”.  Our culture has shaped a sort of amnesia about it, so we do not think we are part of it but rather something separate to the web of life which then allows us, or gives us permission, to be harmful to the more-than-human world.

Many of our harmful actions are formed from this sense of separateness that we have created a climate catastrophe, which we are experiencing now.  

Forest therapy is a practice that has grown globally over the past two decades as people seek ways to bring themselves back into right relationship with the more-than-human world that may guide us to how we can repair it.

Forest therapy has grown out of forest bathing, or Shinrin yoku, a practice that began in Japan in the 1980s based on even more ancient practices of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs that highlight the healing power of nature. 

It encourages people to spend time in forests to improve their mental and physical health. For centuries, Japanese people have celebrated the beauty and tranquillity of forests, viewing them as sacred spaces for reflection and renewal.

I am sure many of our ancestors in Europe and other parts of the world would have spent time in old forests before they were either cut down for wood or the land cleared for grazing and mining.

The practice is simple; you do not need to be athletic, travel or spend many hours bathing. You can take 20 minutes walking in a nearby park. Some of the guided walks only take you 300 metres over three hours. You do not need any naturalistic education.  

The objective is to connect with the forest by using all your senses. Apart from looking, participants are encouraged to listen to any sounds, breathe in any fragrances and touch. For example, you can put your hands on a pool of water or feel a branch.  

Instead of rushing through a walk you are encouraged to slow down and be curious using your body as the guide. The invitation is to reflect on the other sentient beings around you and if you feel to, enter a curiosity and dialogue and see what occurs.

There are many accounts of wonderful interactions and feelings of calm and renewal.  For those requiring scientific proof, there is multiple research that shows how this practice delivers significant health improvements.

Forest therapy is something you can do in your own neighbourhood; you can start with one tree. •