COUNTRY PASSION
The endless beauty of the forest provides peace and calm for Laura Pashby, who seeks refuge there whenever she’s in need of a little creative inspiration
Photographer Laura Pashby finds refuge in forest bathing
When I first read about the Japanese practice of forest bathing, it immediately felt familiar to me. Taking the time to focus on the woods around me, from the rays of sunlight breaking through the morning mist to birdsong echoing from the leaves… it’s something
I've been doing all my life.
As a young child I spent time in the ancient woods near to my home, on the margins of Dartmoor. My brother and I played among the old trees, hiding in the huge hollow ones, soaking up the atmosphere. As a teen, I spent a year living in Thailand and found a magical place that reminded me of CS Lewis’ ‘wood between the worlds’; a peaceful little forest surrounding a ruined temple, where sunlight was dappled by giant leaves. Then
after years of living in the city, I moved to a small sleepy village on the edge of the Cotswolds eight years ago. It’s a joy to walk straight out of my front door into beautiful woodland. My whole family love spending time there. I have three young boys and my husband and I take them as much as we can. I find pleasure in sharing peaceful moments with them, but my favourite times are the ones where I’m completely alone among the trees, often with my camera.
I love sunny days, but it’s foggy mornings that are my favourite. I can’t resist the magic of the mist. Spring is such a beautiful time of year; the ground is carpeted with bluebells, anemones and wild garlic.
As a writer and photographer, I find forest surroundings to be
an important source of creative inspiration, but also helpful for my general wellbeing. I notice my shoulders drop and I breathe more deeply. I lift my face upwards and welcome the touch of daylight on my skin. Even just twenty minutes spent just ‘being’ among the trees leaves me calm and composed.
The most important thing is to take your time and notice your surroundings. Use all of your senses and really feel the trees around you. They’ve stood still and unwavering for so long, it’s impossible not to draw strength from them.
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Be inspired by Laura’s beautiful photography and ‘small stories’ on her blog circleofpinetrees.com and Instagram @circleofpines