Take it slow
Ease your pace to tune into your surroundings, advises forest bather Caitlin Keddie, and you’ll help to ease your mind, too
“There can be a lot of comfort from trees… how they’re all working together in a network”
The Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates as “forest bathing”, is about immersing yourself in woodland – and its proven mental health benefits are something Caitlin Keddie can attest to personally. “I had a really stressful job and was at the point of burnout, but spending time in nature in this way has really helped reduce my anxiety,” she explains. She now works as Scotland’s first certified forest bathing guide, teaching techniques that help people feel calmer through a deeper connection with their environment (forest-therapyscotland.com).
Physical exercise isn’t the primary goal for the walks she leads – the first step is to slow down. “I’ll suggest people move at a snail’s pace. If you’re being really gentle and taking your time, you’re more likely to notice things: what’s moving and what’s resting in the space,” says Caitlin.
“As you walk, anything that draws your attention – give it time, explore it with your senses in any way that feels comfortable. Get up close, use your hands, smell it.”
Although the practice can be applied in any natural space, the forest is particularly therapeutic. Research shows that microbes in the soil support our immune systems, and that breathing in the phytoncides emitted by trees helps our body ward off illness and the stress hormone cortisol. “There’s almost an aromatherapy aspect to it,” says Caitlin. “And there are elements of sensory meditation and mindfulness, too.” Though it’s not a counselling session, she explains, “it can be quite evoking emotionally. And that’s part of it – that’s welcome.” Others find themselves inspired to creativity, she says, so it’s an idea to bring a journal along.
Switching off your phone makes room for a deeper connection, says Caitlin. “There can be a lot of comfort from trees,” she says. “Something that always seems to come up is how varied they are, but how they’re all working together in a network.” Such reflections can be taken back into people’s own lives. “We are all one big community – what can we do to support each other, as trees do?”