Forest Bathing/Forest Therapy- My Experience Part 1

A few weeks ago, I tried forest bathing. If you aren’t familiar you what forest bathing or forest therapy is check this out (https://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20190611/forest-bathing-nature-time-hot-health-advice). Over the past month, several people have mentioned this to me and I was exploring it with a social worker I provide training supervision for. He found a local, certified guide and we scheduled our experience.

We met the facilitator and she seemed what you would expect. A nature love with overall shorts, a flannel shirt, and no shoes. She had introductions and she gave us a quick overview of our time together. We walked into the park and found a spot just off the trail.

Our first activity was a series of invitations. We stayed in this spot and experienced it with out senses. First our sight, and then we closed our eyes and listen to and felt the nature around us. We could move around however we felt appropriate like swaying or such. This lasted about 20 minutes. At the end we were encouraged to turn and find the direction that “called” us. Once we felt that direction we could open our eyes and contemplate why were we drawn to that direction and what could we learn from it.

Honestly, I didn’t feel called in any such direction. I did, however, chose a direction that was different than when I closed my eyes. I chose that direction because it was where I was able to feel the sun on my face. When we began, I was looking into trees and it was dark yet peaceful. This new direction was grassy and sunny. Maybe I did feel drawn to that direction, but I’m not sure it taught me anything.

After these invitations we sat on the ground and were encouraged to share our experience. Neither me or the individual I supervise really shared anything. He may have said something; I don’t completely recall. I know I did not say anything. Specifically, I remember shaking my head instead of actually saying I did not have anything to share. The facilitator didn’t prey anything out of us, which was nice. She did state that sharing was not required, and she maintained that throughout our time together.

To be continued…