Author: Anne Ballentine
I have a serious weakness for silent auctions, so when I saw a package for “forest bathing” at the Go Green for Parks event last fall, I put a bid in and didn’t give it much thought. It was billed as a way to unplug, slow down, and de-stress from daily routines, and that was enough to hook me in. The next thing I knew, I was the winner of a guided experience for 10 at Whitnall Park’s Wehr Nature Center in Franklin.
Our guide was Brooke Gilley, a park naturalist who is also certified in forest bathing. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing includes a series of sensory-based invitations designed to relax, restore, and deepen our relationship with the natural world. Though this can take place at any time of year, Brooke suggested spring as an ideal time to try this practice, which turned out to be a great choice though I suspect each season beings its own gems.
We gathered with some fellow nature lovers with an open mind and open heart. Our slow walk included several stops along the way with “invitations” to engage our senses. To notice. To observe. To listen. To feel. To smell. Admittedly, I’m a little tough on Wisconsin’s spring season and often joke that there isn’t one. But the truth is, our Sunday afternoon in early May was full of spring. The birds were in their heyday- we saw or heard cardinals, robins, sparrows, bluejays, Yellow-rumped warbler, Red-winged Blackbirds, woodpecker, swallows, goldfinch, Cooper’s Hawk, Mourning Dove, and two wild turkeys.
Buds were emerging before our eyes. We witnessed trillium, spring beauties, Marsh marigold, wood violet, Bloodroot, May apple ground cover, Jack in the pulpit, blue violets, Trout Lily, Virginia bluebells, Siberian Squill, mushrooms, a cherry blossom tree, a tall pine, and a redbud tree. Where I typically complain about our brown spring, I was able to notice a rainbow of vibrant colors. We also got to smell the strong scent of leeks and garlic mustard. Some people commented on all the bugs and critters they saw crawling about the earth’s floor. Others were intrigued at how the wind created significant waves on a pond. We all seemed to love feeling the warmth of the sun on our faces on an otherwise brisk afternoon.
The event was a hit. My friend Kristin shares, “I love being in nature, but this opportunity extended and enhanced what I normally experience! Taking the time to breathe it all in and “feel” the response throughout my body made it quite impactful. It’s something I would certainly recommend to others.”
Kristin’s observation is consistent with research showing forest bathing’s effects: lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, reducing anxiety, and even fostering creativity.
And before it was all over, we engaged one more sense by tasting some special tea. Our guided hike concluded with a simple tea ceremony featuring Phezuta Akišni Tea from Lakota Made consisting of Nettle, Goldenrod, Elderberry, Raspberry Leaf, Flat Cedar, and Chaga Mushroom.
Whether or not you have the chance to participate in a robust forest bathing experience like this one, there are easy ways to integrate some nature-based well-being tools:
- Spend time sitting in one spot for at least 5 to 10 minutes and see what you observe. Even better- come back to that same spot every month or season and see how it’s changed.
- Take a sensual awareness inventory by observing what you see, hear, feel, smell and taste.
- Meditate as you close or soften your eyes and visualize a place in nature that you love.
- Reflect on nature imagery by looking at your favorite photos in a frame, album, or on screen.
- Savor all the moments from a nature experience.
- Listen to audio of a bird song or rushing creek from nature. Consider watching a YouTube video like this one when you can’t get outside yourself.
- Sit down with some tea made from plants you would find in nature. Focus on the taste and smell.
This fall when I return to the Go Green for Parks event on September 16 at South Shore Park, I will most certainly wander over to the silent auction table and see what new and exciting adventures might await. What better way to support the Milwaukee Parks Foundation and our beautiful parks? I hope to see you there!
