a forest bathing invitation

Embrace Winter

By Jess Rodriguez

Jess Rodriguez is the Coalition Building Manager at Brushwood Center, and a certified forest bathing guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Bathing. 

Forest bathing is an opportunity to remember our intrinsic connection to nature. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing is a guided experience that works to mend the relationships humans have with themselves, the concept of time, their communities, and with the more than human world. It is a practice focused on remembering reciprocity.

To help you embrace winter and connect with nature, we offer this forest bathing invitation this season. You can experiment with this invitation wherever you are, but we especially welcome you to try it at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods. 

Take 10-15 minutes to wander out into winter. 

As you wander, take a moment to settle into the present by slowly turning to your senses. 

What does winter sound like? 

What does winter feel like on the parts of your body that are exposed? 

How does the air of winter feel within your nostrils as you breathe in deeply? 

Does the air feel different on your tongue if you breathe in deeply through your mouth? 

As you settle in, what would it be like to notice what winter looks like?

What different signs of life might you notice persisting through winter? 

What signs of life might you add to winter? 

Take your time to move at a pace that is slower than usual and notice all that winter might have to offer.