A lot of us spend the majority of our time inside and in cities, but getting out and immersed with nature has many benefits. You may have heard of walking meditations or nature watching, but have you heard of forest bathing?

What is Forest Bathing?

Forest Bathing is a form of meditation that got it's name from the Japanese practice shinrin yoku. The focus of forest bathing is to slow down and immerse yourself in nature. Forest bathing has been shown to have many physical and psychological benefits, due to chemicals emitted by trees known as phytoncides. Forest bathing can help you feel calmer and more in touch with nature.

Start by finding a spot, surrounded by trees and nature. Leave your devices behind and walk slowly through the space. If walking doesn't feel right try lying on the ground or resting against a tree. Focus on your breathing, taking deep meditative breaths. Get in touch with your senses, what can you hear? Smell? See

Poems

Poetry can be a wonderful way to start or conclude a forest bathing experience in the park. Here are three poems that our forest bathing guide Benni Bonnin uses when guiding visitors at one of our seasonal forest bathing walks.

When I am among the trees by Mary Oliver

When I am among the trees,

especially the willows and the honey locust,

equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,

in which I have goodness, and discernment,

and never hurry through the world

but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves

and call out, “Stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,

“and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine.”

An extract from Messenger by Mary Oliver

Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?

Am I no longer young, and still not half perfect?

Let me keep my mind on what matters,

which is my work,

which is mostly standing still and learning to be

astonished.


By Nikita Gill
Everyday is not an opportunity

to improve yourself.

Some days are just there

for you to accept yourself

and look at the clouds.

This too is growth.

This too is rising.

Just existing is enough

on some days.

The flowers do it every day

and make the world more beautiful

just by being here.

Our Top Forest Bathing Spots in The Park

You can forest bathe just about anywhere with a handful of trees, but here are our top three spots for forest bathing in Cornwall Park.

The Gingko Grove

Over in the eastern area of the park, near the gates onto Greenlane West sits The Gingko Grove. This area, despite being near the road is very calm. The Gingko Grove is a small grove on Gingko Trees off to the side of the main pathway. These trees are known for their unique leaves which are fan shaped and turn a beautiful golden colour in autumn.

The Grotto

While a bit more difficult to find, The Grotto is absolutely worth the hunt. Sitting along Grand Drive, The Grotto is an enclosed space filled with native plants and trees. It is the perfect spot for some forest bathing completely immersed in nature.

The Rimu Grove

Our final forest bathing spot is The Rimu Grove, located just off of Twin Oak Drive. One of the most picturesque spots in Cornwall Park with a view to the summit and the cows and sheep. The Rimu Grove is a sensory pleasure.

These are only a few of the places you could choose in the park as the perfect spot to dip your toes into the world of Forest Bathing!

Forest Bathing is all about getting in touch with yourself and with nature. So, remember to slow down and take your time. Do what feels right to you. Happy forest bathing!