Forest bathing in autumn color

Shinrin yoku, or “forest bathing,” is a Japanese therapy for reducing stress and finding a sense of wellbeing. (See my October 3 blog, ​Forest bathing.) Forest bathing can be done in a group with a facilitator or alone with your own thoughts to guide you. We benefit most when we walk slowly and attentively with all of our senses engaged until a feeling of peace replaces the pressure of daily demands.

I live in a forest and walk daily on paths through the trees. Over the years, I’ve taught myself to be more observant of the tiny, incremental changes that mark the seasons. Spring is filled with promise; summer is extravagant; fall is surprising and otherworldly; and winter is quiet and bleak. (The seasons in Japan, where I spent my childhood, and the seasons in Pennsylvania are almost identical.)

Thinking of Japanese forest bathing and Japanese seasons makes me think of Japanese haiku, a short form of nature poetry. So … this blog is an invitation to find peace with images and poetry of fall. 

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In my own thoughts 
a sudden shower of leaves.
Realizing the season.
​     - Ashi

​The first morning of autumn:
the mirror I investigate
reflects my father’s face.
     - Shiki Masaoka

Yellow butterflies
pressed against the window pane...
Hello, autumn leaves.
     - Pandita Sanchez

Reading outdoors.
Between pages,
A dry leaf.
     – Unknown author

How lucky the leaf
That falls into the river.
Journey just begun.
     – Palmer-Page

None is travelling
here along this way but I,
this autumn evening. 
     - Matsuo Basho

​Photo copyright for all photos: Toni Albert