COLUMN: The healing power of forest bathing acts as a balm for the mind, body

This week’s wreath showcases a surprising mix of late-season favorites, combining nature’s beauty with garden classics.

At the center of the display is the beautiful silvergrass, their feathery plumes reflecting the autumn light. Although ornamental, this popular choice comes with a caveat—silvergrass has a tendency to spread its roots aggressively in other areas, so it’s something to keep an eye on.

Rounding out the arrangement is ‘Autumn Joy’ a reliable, perennial sedum that blooms from spring to fall. This heat and drought tolerant plant has lush, blue-green leaves and pink flowers with reddish-red stars and, eventually, copper rust in the cool season. It is a pollinator magnet, attracting bees and butterflies alike.

In addition, native artichoke flowers and New England asters, which provide their deep colors and pollinator blooms. And as we move into fall, sunflower seeds take center stage as an important food source for birds and wildlife, their dried heads full of seeds that provide food for creatures preparing for the moon. cold ones.

Together, these plants make an impressive display of resilience, set at the perfect time when the garden begins to decline for the season.

Forest bathing essentials

Well, gardeners—you’ve been hard at work all spring, summer, and fall.

Now you have found time to relax and meditate to let go and enjoy the changes of the season. As the seasons change and the air is refreshed by the sweet scent of maple leaves, there is a cry within. It’s time to take off, put on those boots and head into the woods.

The Japanese have a word for this practice—shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing that provides a counterpoint to the country’s culture of hard work, where long hours and high-stress conditions exist. The word karoshi, which means “disease from overwork,” was coined to describe the suffering of this power-driven economy.

So let’s put aside the to-do lists and plans for the future, and instead walk slowly, deliberately under the bark of the trees, bowing in peace, beauty and the vitality that the forest provides.

After a busy time tending to your garden, this is your time to refresh. As your plants have given you so much, now it’s your turn to be fed nature in its raw, untouched form. Let the leaves and the smell of the earth wash you down, think about all you have accomplished. Your garden will be waiting for you when the time is right, but for now, let the forest be your sanctuary.

We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful country with huge forests and miles of green spaces. Canada’s wilderness is a gift and from coast to coast, the opportunity to enter an untouched forest, breathe in the scent of the wood and walk through a world painted in the reds and golds of autumn, is something special. indeed.

.

(Pinterest photos)

Did you know that Canada is home to nine percent of the world’s forests?

It’s a vast natural landscape waiting to be explored! Whether you’re in the primeval forests of British Columbia or among the bright autumn colors of Ontario’s hardwoods, nature here is amazing.

So, take the time to marvel at the wonder around you. We live in a beautiful country—never forget how lucky we are to have access to so many green, renewing places.

Forest bathing skills

Unlike traditional meditation, which many find difficult due to the difficulty of quieting the agitated mind, forest bathing naturally helps to reach a state of peace. By combining movement with mindfulness, it becomes “moving meditation.”

There is no need to stay in the difficult lotus position; instead, you walk under the canopy of the forest, inhaling the fragrance of the trees and letting the rhythmic sound of rustling leaves drown out the noise within.

The healing power of nature and green spaces act as a balm for the mind and body.

Within minutes of walking into the woods, our blood pressure stabilizes, stress hormones such as cortisol drop, and muscles relax. And after just 20 minutes, studies show that we begin to feel more energetic, our thoughts become clearer and our emotions begin to rise. Imagine how transformative spending time in the woods can be!

When we inhale these forest compounds, they trigger our parasympathetic nervous system, a “relax and relax” mechanism, and increase the production of anti-cancer proteins.

There is something in the forest that brings vision. Trees stretch to the sky, centuries-old, silent witnesses to the cycle of life. They remind us that life is bigger than our worries—leaves fall and come back year after year, unhurried by our worries. Walking in the forest reminds us that we too are part of this web, of something ancient and powerful.

And the best part is, the forest is always there, waiting for us to come back, every time.

A practice of forest bathing to consciously connect with natural cycles

Once you’ve arrived at your local park or nature reserve, take a moment to be there. Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with the crisp, cool autumn air and begin to listen to the world around you.

Start by focusing on one thing at a time. Maybe it’s the distant song of a bird, the gentle rustle of leaves overhead, or the rays of the sun glinting across the roof. Allow your senses to guide you, gradually bringing your awareness to points that might normally go unnoticed.

To help you get into the flow, here are a few tips to deepen your experience:

What do you see? Look closely at the world around you—notice the shape of the leaves, the play of light or the way colors change over time.

What sounds can you hear? Listen to the music of the forest, whether it’s the chatter of squirrels, the whisper of the wind or the distant call of migrating geese.

Can you take a deep breath? Feel the breath moving through your body. Let each breath affirm the present moment, releasing any tension or distractions.

What can you touch? Reach out to feel the cool bark of a tree or the softness of fallen leaves. Pay attention to how nature’s shapes change with the season, giving you a foundation through touch.

By engaging in this mindful practice, you’ll discover that forest bathing isn’t just about relaxing—it’s about developing a deeper awareness and appreciation for the ever-changing world around you.

(Photo by Ontario Parks)

There’s no better way to soak up the beauty of fall than to take a scenic fall hike through Ontario’s national parks. Cool air, bright colors and the crunch of leaves underfoot make for a great atmosphere for fun, whether you’re hiking, boating or enjoying a drive.

To help plan your trip, the Fall Colors at Ontario Parks Report tracks the changing colors across the province.

For extra seasonal enjoyment, consider adding apple picking at southern Ontario orchards or stopping by local businesses along your route. These experiences can complete your fall adventure with local flavors and experiences.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, the serenity of a boat trip or a relaxing drive, Ontario’s fall parks offer something for everyone to enjoy during this magical season.

Monika Rekola is a certified landscape designer and botanist, passionate about gardening and sustainable living. As a practicing homemaker and garden writer, she shares her passion for restoration, restoration and bird watching. Monika is involved in organic farming, with the aim of balancing our fragile environment. Contact him at [email protected].