Forest bathing is really a simple idea – slow down, use all your senses to take in the natural environment, sit a while. But sometimes the biggest barrier to doing those things is that we feel we’ll look, frankly, a bit weird. There are those of us who don’t give a monkey’s what other people think, and oh how I aspire to be like that. But many of us can’t quite shake off that lurking self-consciousness. There is strength in numbers so joining a group event can help, but that’s not an option at the moment. So how can you get in some quality forest bathing time without people staring? By using stealth tactics to hide in plain sight…
1. Viewpoints: We expect people to stop to admire a big view. Head for high points, places where there might be a bench, a rocky outcrop, a ledge to sit on. In my local area, I’m thinking the benches at the top of Runcorn Hill or the viewpoint on Frodsham Hill, the rocky bits at Stenhills, the bird hides at Wigg Island. Take the chance to take in the expansive view, but while you’re there look close up at what’s around you. On the rocks at Stenhills today I found a luxuriant patch of moss dotted with sparkling water droplets, the in-your-face yellow of gorse flowers and the rustling dry leaves of a young oak tree.
2. Photography: A phone camera will do. Once it looks like you’re taking a picture, people expect you to stop and take time to compose the perfect shot. The trick is not to spend all your time viewing nature’s beauty through the lens. Use it to distract other people while you take things in more directly – the colours, shapes and textures you’re surrounded by. You could go a step further and take a sketch pad – the ultimate excuse to stop and observe in detail.
3. A brew or a snack: It seems normal when we’re out for a ‘proper’ walk in a beauty spot to take a drink and something to eat, to find a bench, a rock or a tree trunk to sit on and rest for a while. And I can see no reason why you can’t do this in your local area too (lockdown rules excepted – check the latest on picnics!). A hot drink, in particular, guarantees you some time to sit and relax while you wait for it to cool enough. You could always go hardcore and take a flask of hot water to make your own fresh nettle tea – expect questions from passers-by, but if, like me, you’re the only adult in your house, it can be nice to have a face-to-face conversation with someone. Anyone…
4. Litter picking: This is one I’m determined to do more of and I believe that if I contact my local council they will supply a litter picker and bags. If you’re litter picking, you will be slowing down and looking around you – just make sure you take time to take in the nice stuff as well as the rubbish. And doing your good turn for your community is on the list of mental health wins. Expect more conversations with passing strangers, but hopefully positive ones.
5. Take a child: Ok, not just any old child; you could get in trouble. At the moment, it will have to be your own if you can muster one up. The smaller the better. Small ones have no idea that a walk is about getting somewhere and will meander and get distracted by every bug and pine cone. And you can do the same, because everyone will understand that it’s the kid’s doing. Larger ones can become problematic but still provide a helpful foil. My son has just reminded me of when I lay down in a woody area at the National Trust’s Dunham Massey to look up at the sky through the autumnal leaves, to his utter mortification. He won’t be pleased to hear this, but I probably wouldn’t have done it if he hadn’t been there.