From Fear to Peace: How Forest Bathing Is Transforming My Connection to Nature

As autumn sets the world ablaze with fiery hues and a crispness fills the air, I find myself drawn deeper into the woods. For years, I’ve known about the healing power of nature—after all, our farm’s roots are in its soil, and the herbs we grow are cultivated with deep respect for the land. But my newest journey has been one of stepping beyond the familiar spaces of our homestead and into the surrounding forest, embracing the practice of forest bathing.

What Is Forest Bathing?

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing oneself in the forest environment. Unlike hiking or exercising, forest bathing has no agenda other than to engage the senses and be present. The aim is to absorb the natural atmosphere—to touch, listen, smell, and even taste the environment around you.

Studies show that forest bathing can lower cortisol levels, reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost the immune system. These benefits come, in part, from exposure to phytoncides, the essential oils emitted by trees. Autumn, with its vibrant colors and calming stillness, is the perfect season to embrace this practice.

My Journey into the Forest

Our property is surrounded by woodlands—a sanctuary of towering pines, sturdy oaks, lanky trees of heaven, and a grove of manzanita whose twisting red bark makes it perfect for keeping winter fires burning hot and long. Yet, when I first ventured into these woods alone, I was struck not by their peace but by an eerie stillness that I wasn’t accustomed to.

The woods felt alive in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The sound of a distant peacock, the sudden rustle of a bird repositioning itself in the branches, and the imagined presence of wildlife—deer, foxes, peacocks, and, yes, even bears—played tricks on my overactive mind. Needless to say my first walk was brief. The unfamiliarity of the space made it difficult to settle into stillness.

But something about that first experience kept calling me back. Each time I returned, I noticed more. I began to recognize the poison oak in its various stages, the delicate yet dangerous beauty of poison hemlock, and the soothing presence of the manzanita grove. The forest became less intimidating and more like a patient teacher. I'm learning to find peace in the rhythmic rustle of leaves, the random falling acorns, and even the occasional crack of a twig beneath my feet. I'm growing in this. I've even forest bathed on the property of a farmer friend.

Now, the woods feel like a dear friend—a place to release fear, embrace calm, and align with the cycles of nature. 

Forest (I use this term interchangeably with woods) bathing has become my sanctuary, especially in the fall. There’s something about this season that makes the practice feel even more profound. The vibrant colors of the leaves, the earthy scent of damp soil, the mushrooms I'm diligently try to identify and the cool air brushing against my skin draw me into the moment, demanding my attention in the most gentle way.

In this space, time slows down. The busy thoughts of the day seem to settle, and I’m reminded to breathe deeply, to listen to the rustling leaves, and to be fully present. There’s no rush here, no checklist—only the quiet presence of the natural world.

Why Autumn Is the Perfect Season for Forest Bathing

Every season has its charm, but autumn is uniquely suited to forest bathing. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the leaves create a stunning sensory backdrop, while the earthy scent of fallen leaves fills the air. The crispness of the breeze and the crunch of the ground underfoot invite you to slow down and savor the present moment.

Fall is also a season of transition—a time to reflect on what no longer serves us, just as the trees release their leaves. In this way, forest bathing in autumn becomes a metaphor for our own growth, healing and releasing.

  

Bridging Personal Experience with Tradition

My journey into the forest has also deepened my appreciation for traditions that recognize the land as a healer. For many of these ancient cultures, the forest is seen as a sacred space for healing. These traditions, which often emphasize the interconnectedness of all living things, inspire my own walks in the woods. Forest bathing aligns deeply with these teachings, reminding us to approach nature with gratitude and respect.

Autumn rituals in these traditions often focus on giving thanks for the harvest and preparing for the coming rest of winter. Walking in the woods during this season feels like participating in a timeless dance, one where I can reflect on my own journey and express gratitude for the abundance in my life. These practices resonate deeply as I walk through the woods, grounding myself and being thankful for the land that provides us with so much—nourishment, shelter, and solace.

How to Begin Your Forest Bathing Practice

If you’re feeling inspired to explore forest bathing this fall, here are a few tips from my own experiences:

1. Start Small: Choose a woodland or park that feels accessible and safe. If you’re nervous about venturing alone, begin with shorter trips or bring a companion.
2. Engage Your Senses: Notice the colors, textures, and sounds around you. Run your hands over the bark of a tree, smell the autumn air, and listen for the rustle of leaves.
3. Be Patient: It’s okay if your first visit feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Like any relationship, your connection with the forest will deepen over time.
4. Bring Mindfulness Tools: On my most recent forest bath I took a thermos of herbal tea, chocolate mint and lavender provided by the land, to extend the calming experience and deepen the connection. Or perhaps a sketch pad or a journal would be better suited for you.

Each trip into the woods has become an invitation to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to find peace in the present moment. Forest bathing, especially in autumn, reminds me that healing doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from simply being.

I really hope you’ll take time this fall to step into the woods, whether it’s for a brief walk or a quiet moment of reflection. Let the forest work its magic and teach you what it means to let go, breathe, and heal.

Forest = For rest

Have you tried forest bathing, or are you considering it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.