I regularly, probably weekly, go forest bathing. It is the Japanese tradition (shinrin-yoku) of going out in nature to restore one’s spirit. I need the woods: the trees, the babbling brooks, the birds, and the squirrels to center myself and reflect on what is really important. Before I even knew there was a word for it, I forest bathed in the most beautiful places both near and far. My husband is a photographer, and we’d hike here and there capturing beauty. As I walked and looked, I could feel my shoulders relax and my breathing calm. My body knew that this was necessary medicine for me before my mind knew it. There was a peace in the woods that I couldn’t find in my regular 9-5 life. The woods were a secret escape. And it held some wonderful surprises: a darting salamander, a singing frog, a golden toadstool, and shy trillium. I loved finding these surprises; they made me feel connected to the natural world. I have learned so much from the woods.
Lately, I’ve taken my camera with me to the woods to record the passing of the seasons and to meditate as I walk. My pace is slow. I scan my surroundings. I listen for the wind, the birds and insects. I came across a charm of goldfinches last week. What a golden treasure they were! I scout out small hidden places. I walk in wonder. I am present walking in the now. By doing this, my mind relaxes and focuses on the beauty of things growing and decomposing. I hear the leaves rustling and crunching under my feet. In October, the woods take on a golden glow. It is warm and the smell is smokey. I am comforted by this season of abundance, this harvest time. The squirrels know too, and are preparing for winter; the deer take on their winter coats and nibble on nearby shrubs. We all realize what lies ahead, and we have made our peace with it. Winter will surely come, death will surely come someday, but for now, I walk and take in all my senses can hold.
©2025 Joanne L. Emery. Wordancerblog.com. All Rights Reserved.
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 
Joanne, thank you for the beautiful forest bath post today. What lovely word choice in your poem. cradled, serenity, fiery, summit, secluded. So beautiful, and I loved: “listen to the water whisper / My name so quietly”
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Joanne, your forest bath was a cleansing breath of fresh air as I read your words and reflected on your path. The leaves are turning quickly and creating their carpet of beauty here in NJ where I also live. I’ll be hiking this weekend.
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Thank you for defining forest bathing right at the beginning. I realized that today after my dental appointment where he told me to not eat for an hour, I drove to my favorite foresty trail and took a walk. And like you, I noticed the crisp air and the leaves finally changing in VA (slower this year), such pretty fall colors! I agree – so many “natural secrets” are found on walks in the forest. Thanks for naming it and putting it all into words! Love your ending poem, too.
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Joanne, your blog today brings peace and comfort, the reminder to slow down and look to nature for the unhurried pace of life. The seasons change, and so do we. Trees and woods are not in a hurry to do anything. Your poem is beautiful and is a balm for the tired body and mind – – you awaken the desire to get out and bathe in the forest.
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Aha…so there is a name for getting out in nature and refreshing the soul. I love it-forest bathing- and enjoyed your beautiful descriptions of things you saw, making me feel like I was walking with you, Joanne.
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I love that you take your camera on these slow, observational walks. You’ve captured so much natural beauty with your pictures and your words.
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Yes, to nature’s therapy one step and one photo at a time!
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