Tune into nature’s frequency and amp up your vitality on a forest therapy walk led by local certified guide Tamara Fournier.
For decades, the Japanese have known the health benefits of time spent in the forest. In Japan, people practice ‘forest bathing.” Here, we call it nature therapy, eco-therapy or forest therapy. Regardless of the name, the fact is we feel better when we spend time in nature. Our stress levels go down and our energy goes up. Our worries decrease and our vitality soars. “People are surprised by the sense of awe and relaxation,” says Tamara, who is trained by the Association of Nature Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. “They tell me they feel like a new person by the end of the walk.”
Tap into nature’s medicine
With the fall colours on full display, October is a perfect time to walk the Bruce Trail at Metcalfe Rock, in the Blue Mountains. The Niagara Escarpment landmark is home to ancient white cedars, gorges, caves, spectacular views and phytoncides. Phytoncides are a natural compound produced by plants. When you breathe in phytoncides, your body increases production of a very specific type of white blood cell called ‘natural killer.’ These cells fight infection and lower inflammation in the body. “Three Hours in the woods boosts your immunity for a month,” she says.
Tune into the season
Recently, I sat down for a coffee and a virtual chat with Tamara to talk about forest therapy. I’m curious. After all, we’re increasingly the indoor generation. “I like to think my walks are about nurturing nature connections and re-wilding,” she says.
Forest therapy is open to people of all ages and abilities and it will heighten your awareness of the world around you. You will experience what is hidden from view to the casual hiker focused on reaching a destination. It’s not easy for people to shut off their brains and their cell phones and be present, mindful and observant rather than reaching a goal, explains Tamara.
“You go into the forest and you make your own connection with it,” she says. “I’m the guide, the forest is the therapist.” She elaborates: Your senses are the gateway to being present and I simply help you open the door.
A forest therapy walk includes moments of observation and reflection followed by sharing. Tamara points out there is no right or wrong way to sit with a tree. There is just your way. I find there is something freeing in what she says, but also a little frightening in the absence of rules.
Tamara assures me I’m not alone. “I’ve seen people uncertain about what to do or how to do it right. There’s always a moment where there is a shift. That is the medicine of the forest doing its thing with each person individually.”
Experience a shirt in perspective
Tamara gives me a taste of what she calls the pleasure of presence, POP for short. She invites me to tune in to my sense of smell and hearing. Outside, the wind gusts at 80 kilometers per hour. The trees are tossed and the waves crash on the beach. The scent of the water comes to me on the wind dashing through the open window.
Living here on Georgian Bay, the heavy wind brings fear of downed trees and power outages. No power: no water, no heat, no toilet, no lights, no phones and no wifi. I sit and listen to the wind, to the creek of branches and rustle of leaf. On Balm Beach, the water drums the sand creating a white noise hum. Sunlight skips across my eyelids.
Invited by Tamara, I slowly open my eyes. Waiting for me is a new perspective on the weather scene. My fear has drifted off like a storm cloud, replaced by a sense of play. I’m relaxed, connected to the game afoot outside my window. The trees are wrestling with the north wind.
Get connected: Be with a Forest this Fall
“Forest therapy is open to everyone and there are no limits,” says Tamara. If you have special needs, reach out in advance so I can adapt the walk. Send your questions or needs to Tamara at foresttherapywalkswithtamara@gmail.com.
Book a Forest Therapy Walk with Tamara through Free Spirit Tours. Or, follow Tamara on Facebook @foresttherapywalkswithtamara or Instagram @foresttherapywalkswitht.
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