When the Senses Take Over

The fundamentals of forestbathing

Natural beauty being what it is, sometimes words just get in the way of the woods. Perhaps only the senses need exploring, clarifying, and classifying with a sprinkling of lexicon, to highlight the positive benefits of being among the trees. After all, places that inspire do not do so just by being gazed at; they must be challenged, or at the very least interacted with. The forest is accordingly perhaps one of the most useful as well as beautiful features of nature. Here’s why:

The sense of size magnifies, intensifies, humbles and attracts. Trees pull your spirits up, and invite you to raise your head and gaze upwards; upwards in every direction. There is no way anyone can be immune to the positive effect this installs in the soul, to see the ways trees stretch valiantly, effortlessly, in their own space, and time, never rushing.

The forest evokes memories of childhood, at every glance and turn. It therefore keeps us in touch with our true selves, and helps…