“The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.” — poet David Wagoner
Forest bathing. Translated from the Japanese term shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is also known as forest therapy (each link takes you to a brief explanation). It’s like bathing in water, except in the forest. Letting it surround you, leisurely soaking it in with all our senses. I like that. So that means I’ve been forest bathing most of my life. Ever since I was a young child I’ve been a keen observer and my pace has always naturally been slow at all that I do. Inspiration for any of my creative pursuits has always come from slowing down in the forest and noticing the details with all my senses. I may not be concentrating on how my senses are taking everything in, yet there is an osmosis at play.
LOST from poet David Wagoner:
“Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. you must let it find you.”
Speaking of inspiration, this poem of Wagoner’s was inspired by teachings of the northwest coast Indians: they taught their children what to do if they ever got lost in the forest.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” — John Burroughs
spring for us is just around the corner….for me, i’m heading south for a couple days, so will be in the middle of what i hope is daffodil/tulip/dogwood/azalea heaven! can’t wait. just when i think the teasing is over, and spring has sprung….the weather forecasters tell of more snow on the way. love your photos…as always!
Beautiful photos and poem. I love the forest. Soon it will be warm enough here to head up to the pines again…
These photographs are just beautiful, Diane.
I especially love the third one here.
Such a beautiful poem too.
Have a wonderful evening, my friend.
xo.
a fine collections of images and words
that tree that is third from the top has a beautiful root system