Forest Bathing: For My Sanity

There's a creek down the road from my house, about a quarter mile. It travels over a small waterfall as it comes down the hill and is surrounded by a forest. It's always flowing, even during the driest months and the coldest days of winter.

Photo by S. Williams, Creek in Fall

I pause by the water every day when I walk. Its constant, gurgling melody speaks to me, soothing my soul. Sometimes I stand there for a few minutes, letting the gentle sound empty my mind of to-do lists and worries. I spend a few minutes pondering the enormity of creation and the wonders of the giant pine, cedar, and aspen trees that surround me. I listen to the turkeys' gobble, the crows' caw and the woodpeckers' insistent rat-a-tat-tat on the cedar nearby. The wind rustles the leaves above and gently sways the treetops.

Forest bathing or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is "bathing in the forest atmosphere". Or simply where you immerse yourself in nature. The health benefits are huge. It can boost your mood and immune system while reducing stress hormones and lowering your blood pressure. All of this by going for a quick walk!

Photo by S. Williams, Winter Creek

While I don't always think about the health benefits, I do notice that I feel better after spending a few moments watching the water cascade down the hill. I love standing near the bubbling creek, breathing the clean air, and enjoying the peace that invariably wraps me in a comforting embrace.

I watch the awe of my grandchildren when they stand and absorb the same feelings. They've made the trek to the creek from the time they were a few weeks old, in the baby pack or the stroller or sled. They've touched the rough bark of the trees, gathered colorful leaves, and picked raspberries and thimble berries from the bushes that grow thick around the path. They've gazed upward to the tops of the trees standing like sentinels around the water.

Photo by S. Williams, Creek in Spring

They've stood quietly, eyes wide as they watch a mama deer hide her baby in the tall grass nearby. Their curiosity is fed while they absorb the wonders of nature. I hope they learn to turn to the outdoors and nature when daily life gets complicated and overwhelming. I hope you, also, have a place to go to nature.

Photo by S. Williams, Fawn

May your week be one of blessings including that of forest bathing. And no, it does not mean bathing in the creek! Unless you want it to.

Where is your go to place to find peace outdoors?