Forest Bathing

May 1

Forest Bathing: A Walk That Heals More Than Just the Body

Have you ever stood still in a forest and felt... different? Maybe calmer, more alive, or deeply at peace—even if just for a moment? That’s the magic of forest bathing.

But don’t worry, this has nothing to do with actual bathing. Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku as it’s called in Japan where the practice began, simply means immersing yourself in a forest environment with all your senses awake. It's not hiking. It's not exercise. It’s about slowing down, being present, and letting nature work its subtle medicine.

What Happens on a Guided Forest Bathing Walk?

A guide gently leads you through a series of invitations—simple activities like walking slowly, listening deeply, noticing textures, or just sitting with a tree. There’s no pressure to do anything “right.” The forest does the heavy lifting.

Now, let’s explore the deeper layers of what’s going on—with science to back it up.

The Psychotherapy Perspective: Nature as Co-Therapist

From a psychological standpoint, forest bathing helps regulate the nervous system.

The evidence:
A 2010 study published in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine showed that forest walks significantly lower cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure compared to urban walks. Brain imaging research has also shown that time in nature reduces activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, a brain area linked to rumination and anxiety (Bratman et al., PNAS, 2015).

Therapists are increasingly incorporating ecotherapy—working in natural settings—because nature supports the same goals as talk therapy: calming the system, supporting reflection, and helping us feel more present and whole.

Nature becomes a kind of co-therapist—offering calm, presence, and a space to process without words.

The Heart and Soul Perspective: Coming Home to Yourself

There’s something deeply spiritual about being among trees. It reminds us we’re not separate from the world—we are nature.

Many people report a sense of awe, belonging, or emotional release during forest bathing. For some, it feels like a sacred pause—a return to something essential and alive.

The evidence:
Research into the emotion of awe (Keltner & Haidt, 2003) shows it helps people feel more connected, more generous, and more grounded in meaning. Time in nature has also been linked to increased life satisfaction, gratitude, and overall well-being (Frontiers in Psychology, 2019).

This isn’t about religion. It’s about connection—to yourself, to the Earth, and to something greater.

The Quantum Physics Perspective: Everything is Energy

Quantum physics tells us that everything is made of energy, and that observers influence what they observe. In a forest, the electromagnetic field of trees, plants, and soil interacts with our own.

The evidence:
Trees emit phytoncides—natural oils that protect them from disease. These same compounds have been shown to boost human immune function. Dr. Qing Li’s research revealed that after just two days in a forest, people experienced a significant rise in natural killer (NK) cell activity—a boost that lasted over a week.

The HeartMath Institute has also shown that the human heart emits an electromagnetic field that is sensitive to the energy around us. Coherent, calm environments like forests can help align our heart rhythms, reduce stress, and support emotional regulation.

When we bring mindful awareness into this field—simply observing the forest without rushing—we’re not just seeing the forest. We’re participating in a subtle energy exchange.

In Closing: The Forest is Waiting

Forest bathing is more than a wellness trend. It’s a return to ancient wisdom now validated by modern science. Nature heals. Slowness restores. Connection—within and beyond—is essential.

Whether you come to a forest bathing walk from a place of stress, curiosity, or deep longing, know this:

You don’t have to fix anything.
You don’t have to achieve anything.
Just arrive.
And let the forest do the rest.