More than a Walk in the Woods

Throughout our epic road trip to Tuktoyaktuk and back to Ontario, we spent more time on trails and hiking than we typically do. Living in the city, we typically walk around our neighbourhood and park areas, but not on any actual trails.

On our van trip, though, the trails and hiking were a big part of the experience. From mountaintops to rivers and streams, we covered a lot of ground on foot. I find myself in a great peace in the forests and mountains. I knew I needed to get back out there.

Somehow, and we’ve all experienced this, social media knew my thoughts, and I began to see content for Forest Therapy and Forest Bathing. I had no idea this was a thing, but I was immediately curious for more information.

Crown Land Camping in Northern Ontario

I soon found myself on a call with a forest therapy guide and then discovered that a prior coworker is now taking a course as well. After several videos and podcasts that piqued my interest, I headed back into the forest today to guide myself on a walk. 

Now, I know what I did doesn’t measure up since I have roughly zero training in forest therapy, but it changed the way I walked.

I slowed down.

I looked around much more.

I looked up. We don’t look up much, and I discovered a ton of activity high in the trees. With squirrels looking at me and birds flying branch to branch, it was a whole new experience to take in. And I walked barefoot - but that’s another story for another day.

I looked closer at the trees. One tree in particular. A tall, mature pine tree drew me to it. I can’t explain it, but in the peace of the forest, I felt willing to stop. Pine trees have a rough bark that is covered in cracks and splits. As the tree grows, the layers of bark give way to new growth creating a puzzle of bark, and I was struck with the thought that this tree is much like us. That towering pine stood firm and rooted, yet it was able to bend, break, and grow over time to become the tree it is today. 

I—we—can take a lesson from the trees. When we are willing to bend, crack, and maybe even break, we can grow into who we were meant to be.

Take a slow walk in the forest

I make no secret of my faith in God. As I stood in the forest, I was reminded that God created everything before he created humans. He created this world for us to live in and to enjoy. He gave us what we need to be well. A walk in the woods isn’t simply a leisure activity, although it can be. In fact, research shows that spending time in nature is good for our mental and physical health. It lowers our blood pressure, improves our mental well-being, and increases our immunity. Being in the presence of nature helps students focus and reduces overall stress and anxiety. Without argument, being in nature for two hours each week for at least 20 minutes at a time improves overall health and life satisfaction.

Each person can spend time in nature in their own way, but the effects are enhanced with a forest therapy guide. Imagine the impact of pairing traditional therapy modalities with a forest therapy guide to help you slow down and experience the environment’s impact on your mental and physical well-being.

How has being in nature impacted you? Have you ever walked with a forest therapy guide?