The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness

John Muir

Where it all began

Forest bathing, is a practice originating from Japan in 1980 known as Shinrin-yoku. It is based on the ancient Shinto and Buddhist practices . It means to let nature into your body through the 5 senses. The Japanese government at that time coined the term Shirin-yoku, when they shone a light on the benefits of forest bathing and began to uses it as a form of therapy in response to their health crisis, particularly their mental health issues. It has now swept across the globe where the benefits of forest bathing are widely recognised and practiced.

Forest bathing is a profound immersion into the natural world, where every sense is engaged, and the mind is invited and gently encouraged to rest, rejuvenate, and ultimately, become more creative.

The peacefulness of the forest environment supports a state of mindfulness, encouraging a deeper connection with your inner thoughts and feelings. This connection, can be a wellspring of creativity.

When we allow ourselves to disconnect and immerse in the beauty and serenity of nature, it becomes a portal to our inner wild and sense of self, we not only nurture our mental and physical health but also open the doors to profound creative exploration.

Creativity

Creativity thrives in silence and observation—two elements that forests generously offer. The natural world is an endless source of inspiration; from the intricate patterns of leaves to the majestic silence of ancient trees, every element can spark a thought, an idea, or a solution we hadn’t considered before. In the tranquility of the forest, our minds are free to wander and explore new realms of possibility.

As you step into the forest, leaving behind the digital screens and demands of modern life, you embark on a journey that nurtures not only your body but also your creative spirit.

As I mentioned above- silence and observation are the two most important ingredient to unlocking creativity. I lean in to it time and time again and I am always humbled by the experience. By simply sitting in a forest’s presence, slowing down my mind and becoming the observer. Observing my thoughts without judgment, observing the smells around me with curiosity, or the sounds with a sense of wander. I engage all of me, entirely in the present moment. The noise disappears and ideas flow freely with a sense of excitement and pure joy. I bottle this state of being within and I immerse myself in it when I am about to start painting.

The more time I spend in nature the more I have to give to myself and from myself. Visit my portfolio (and image above). I spend so much time among the trees that their ancient wisdom has enchanted my imagination for some time. I studied this one piece of wood, about the size of my arm, for two full years in art college. Drawing it from every angle and painting it so many times.

I loved it because I developed a deep understanding of the anatomy of that piece of wood. I even kept it for many years after! It just held great sentimental value and reminded me of how the entire universe can be found in everything.

Unity

Embracing forest bathing as a practice to enhance creativity is not just about finding inspiration; it’s also about cultivating a strong, compassionate and caring relationship with oneself and the natural world. The forest is a living, breathing entity, teeming with life It’s a reminder that we are not separate from nature; we are a part of it.

When forest bathing we should take the time to breathe deeply. To witness the beautiful and extraordinary exchange of breath between us and the trees. Where we release CO2 to the trees as we breathe out and when we breathe in , we take in the O2 that the trees “exhale.”

Gratitude while forest bathing for creativity

The freedom in those moments of deep breathing offer a profound sense of gratitude and happiness. I always feel so grateful to be in the presence of such an eloquent dance between nature and all of my senses. When I am sitting on the damp grass (it’s often a wet day when I venture to the forest), I remind myself of how a child would experience this. Would they complain about the wetness or be in complete acceptance, truly immersed in the experience? I think asking the question ‘what would my inner child do or feel in this moment?’ can really guide us to that inner intelligence that we are born with.

Grounding, also known as earthing, is simply being or walking barefoot on a natural environment (grass, sand, or soil).

When a child is born it needs skin to skin contact with its mother, where both baby and mother release a hormone called oxytocin. This makes them both feel calm and relaxed and mama feels this waterfall of love run through her entire being that will bond her to her child beyond words, beyond time and space! This skin to skin contact also helps to regulate the baby’s heart rate and breathing and to adapt to life outside of the womb. All from a precious touch…..isn’t that so so beautiful?… and intelligent?

This reminds me of the importance of skin to skin contact between us and mother nature. All that she can provide for us so willingly is waiting, maybe even longing for that embrace from us, her children. When I forest bathe, I like to remove my shoes, socks, technologies and any other noise that might distract me from being truly present. I feel very primal in that moment. My feet become like a second mind. Guiding me and distributing my weight effortlessly. I feel lighter, like a stone skimming the surface of the water.

Here are a few benefits of going barefoot while forest bathing for you to sink your feet into!

• Builds stronger muscles in the legs.
• Encourages better mobility and posture.
• Earth releases subtle negative electron charge which neutralises the positive charges that we build up throughout the day, through uses of phones, computers etc.
• Microbes in the soil can act as an antidepressant. A special soil bacterium promotes higher cytokine levels. This increases serotonin in our bodies, which as I mentioned earlier, promotes a feeling of happiness and calmness.

How to forest bathe

To begin, find a forested area that speaks to your spirit. It doesn’t have to be vast or remote, even a small patch of woods can be a profound setting for forest bathing. The key is to go at your own pace and allow yourself to be present. I like to take my shoes off but this is optional. Start by drawing in slow deep breaths and exhaling slowly. If you are finding it difficult to switch off or even slow down your mind a little then try this breathing technique I use it a lot before meditation or when I need to get in the zone for painting.

Simply be present, be aware of what your senses are experiencing. There really is no wrong way. You should feel joy in your heart and connected to the natural world around you.

When we feel connected to the world around us, and express gratitude for that very moment, our creativity becomes a tool for expressing our relationship with the earth. So, I encourage you, with all the kindness and wisdom I can muster, to give yourself the gift of forest bathing. Let the forests nourish your creativity, strengthen your bond with nature, and gently remind you of the beauty and resilience within you.

Until next time folks,

Be wild. Be free.

Dee Ci