January 01st, 2018

Have you ever heard of forest bathing? I have only just discovered it and I thought what a wonderful title to give a walk in a forest or wood. According to Japanese research, walking amongst trees can be extremely beneficial to our general physical and mental health.

Apparently, quiet contemplation in a tree area can be therapeutic because walking through trees can:

1.    Lower the heart rate.
2.    Boost your immune system.
3.    Reduce stress hormone production.
4.    Improve overall well being.

I did some further reading and found out that some essential oils, which are called phytoncide, are found in wood, plants and in some fruit and vegetables. Inhaling these seems to improve cell functions and this is good for our health. Also the quiet contemplation that takes place within the forest area is relaxing and allows our over tired brains to regenerate making us feel so much better.

Forest bathing is spreading throughout the world with different countries adapting it to suit their own cultures, such as, Finland, who encourage forest bathers to take a sauna after their walk. Even in the UK there seems to be a growing acceptance and participation in this type of gentle yet effective exercise.

I love the idea of trees helping us to better health. After all, without them our oxygen levels would be depleted. Trees have always interested me; the fascinating shapes and growth patterns, their foliage and blossoms and the sheer size to which they can grow. It has always amazed me that some of our trees in Britain have been standing for hundreds of years, which is truly awesome.

So, in honour of forest bathing, which I’m sure  you would agree is so much more poetic than saying, walking in a forest, I  have included a poem called,
                                                    Father.

                                                I stand here
                                               Old, yet proud.
                                               My ancient roots
                                               Anchor me solidly
                                               Over a millennia.
                                               My gnarled branches
                                               Spread far and wide
                                              Interlocking in a delicate
                                              Filigree of green.

                                                 
​                                               I bend and bow,
                                               Fighting against
                                               The winds of time.
                                               Yet, I do not break.

 
                                               Along the lake shore
                                                I overlook
                                               The gentle ripples
                                               Of grey translucent waters,
                                               Which
                                               Lap contentedly
                                               Of
                                              Soft murmurings
                                             Telling of their travels.

                                                I watch them
                                               Caressing the
                                              Stone coloured boulders
                                               Easing years of growth
                                               To a silky smoothness.

 
                                                All is peaceful – quiet
                                                And as the weak sun
                                               Disappears behind
                                              The faded mountains
 
                                               I sigh!
                                             Tranquillity personified!
 
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