How Forest Bathing Can Change Your Life- Benefits of Forest Therapy

Hello to you. Hello to the month of April. Though spring began in March often it is associated with the month that follows. Yet, the trees and other plant life know the truth. This forest area that I sit in, immersed myself in, looked different two weeks ago. The branches appeared barren and there were less blades at my feet that creates nature’s carpet we call grass. Note that I stated the branches seemed bare. Yet, it was the opposite of what was going on. Beneath the surface of the bark, under the soil, regeneration was happening. For death is not finite it is the recycling of life.

What we call autumn, the season of witnessing leaves falling from the trees after they transform into beautiful, colorful, bright hues. Which is due to their loss of chlorophyll. They slow down their process of photosynthesis to conserve energy for the winter. Something our life givers the trees have done longer than our time on this Earth. The great elders always show us the way.

Trees teach us that being present prepares us for the future. As I said earlier, they save energy in the fall to prepare for the winter. Their attention focused on what is needed at that time which results in what is given later. The life cycle in consistent motion without force. Knowing rest periods, winter, are necessary parts of the process.

Often what we desire comes to our minds and we want the outcome immediately after the thought. That may happen here and there in our lives. However, that which we desire to be sustainable, long-lasting, requires more. It asks us to be patient like the trees, practice awareness as the trees, proper nourishing as the trees and stand firmly. An oak tree (which is commonly found where I reside in the Austin, Texas area) is so because it has been what it was created to do. For we are at our best and give our best to others when we confidently live who the Divine has created us to be.

I encourage you to be like the tree. May you continue to feed your mind and body what is needed to activate you throughout the day. May you accept your various seasons each year for they are preparing you for those to come. May you have grace with yourself while you build upon who you are today to manifest, unfold, who you will become. May you take those moments of stillness to refresh your mind to grant clarity for making better decisions. Most of all, may you spend time surrounded by trees, forest bathing. Yes, they give us oxygen, help reduce stress, increase our immunity and other health benefits. They also give us wisdom when we are open to their lessons. The mighty teachers.

Be well to enjoy life!

Nikei S Salas

Inspiration Giver, Writer, Author, Wellbeing Educator/Coach