These days, the health benefits of Forest Bathing are becoming more widely understood and appreciated. Positive effects such as a boosted immune system, increased focus and creativity, and even a rise in the cells that target and destroy cancer in our bodies are becoming more well-known. But a benefit that is somewhat harder to quantify, and that tends to be overlooked in our modern society, is the increased sense of belonging that comes with connecting to the Places, More-than-Human beings, and fellow humans where we live. Forest Bathing can bring a much-needed sense of belonging and community that so many of us are lacking in our day-to-day lives. As many of the spaces and situations in which we used to come into contact with other humans on a regular basis are made redundant by advances in technology (Esther Perel’s laundromat example as discussed on a recent episode of “What Now? With Trevor Noah comes to mind), humans are hungrier for meaningful connection than ever. 

Forest Bathing can be a bridge to forming these connections in two ways. First of all, the practice often offers participants playful and creative ways to connect with each other on the walk. Partner activities or creative group invitations invite laughter, exploration and sometimes even silliness that can help break down barriers to connection that keep us feeling isolated in spite of our daily interactions with others. In addition, opportunities to share about their forest bathing experiences with a partner or the group can encourage participants to open up to each other in ways that modern-day humans are rarely invited to as we move through our ‘normal lives’. 

And then there are the connections that are made with Place and the More-Than-Human Beings in that Place. This is an individual experience and will look different for each person moment to moment. For some, it may be as simple as feeling the physical support of the ground beneath them and being able to relax into that support for a few moments. Others may enjoy returning to the same favorite tree month after month to experience the way that tree changes with the seasons, eventually (perhaps?) sharing a secret with that tree that they’ve never spoken aloud before. For others, seeing a butterfly flutter through the trees may stir up feelings of grief that have been needing to surface. A participant may rediscover a childlike sense of joy and wonder while watching the tiniest frog hop around the forest floor.

Forest Bathing offers us a myriad of opportunities for deeper connection: with Nature, with our wider selves and with the Human and More-than-Human community that surrounds us. We only need to take that first brave step of allowing ourselves the time and space to find it. I wish that for you, and for me, today.