Forest Bathing at Bullard Farm
- Jennifer McPhee
- Jun 28, 2021
- 3 min read
Spending mindful time in nature
A dozen enthusiastic and curious participants gathered at the Bullard Historic Farm in Holliston for an introduction to the mindful activity of forest bathing. Developed in Japan, "Shinrin-Yoku" (translated as forest bathing) is quickly catching on in the US as an activity that increases health, lessens stress, and reconnects us to beneficial elements of nature.
Unlike a spirited hike up a mountain or a run through a woodland trail, forest bathing is more about taking the time to pause and notice the forest in a way that our usual, hurried pace would not allow. Through a series of "invitations", participants reconnect to the land in a way that speaks to them. For example, one of our invitations was to just notice things in motion. For 15 quiet moments, we each chose a spot to sit and observe the movement around us. This "forced relaxation" did more than focus our gaze, it opened our eyes to a world of activity going on all around us - and allowed us to recognize and enjoy it. For those overachievers in the group, this fed perfectly into the need to complete an assignment AND relax at the same time! (This is an especially common theme among women, who often state that they rarely give themselves permission to slow down.) At the end of the observation period, we all gathered to share our thoughts. Unanimously, the group agreed that it was time well spent and hearing the myriad of experiences among the group was fascinating. It became very clear that if each of us had just been hiking through the woods, we would have missed 90% of what was shared.
Our invited guests represented a diverse group of people --all curious about how Shinrin-Yoku could contribute to their wellbeing. Numerous studies have now gained the attention of the mainstream and people are experiencing for themselves the list of benefits derived from this mindful practice, such as:
* Reduced blood pressure
* Lower stress
* Improve cardiovascular and metabolic health
* Lower blood sugar levels
* Improve concentration and memory
* Lift depression
* Increase anti-cancer protein production
* Help you lose weight
For an easy read that describes how these incredible benefits can be gained so easily and enjoyably, check out the book Forest Bathing - How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li. Filled with pages of beautiful photos, large print, and easy to understand language, this is a pleasant read that makes its scientific points in the most relaxing way!
Taking a slow stroll to our first "invitation" location was harder than some people imagined. It's a challenge to slow down our pace when we are anxious or stressed. Beginning our fall event with a relaxed walk gave us time to take in our surroundings.
Have you ever taken the time to observe something in the forest for a full 15 minutes? By resting your gaze on this birch tree, you can see so many interesting features. What does this tree tell you about its time here?
After each invitation there is time for sharing thoughts and observations. If this seems out of your comfort zone - not to worry - sharing is optional, but we find that people easily add to the conversation once they get started. A traditional forest bathing session concludes with a tea ceremony, made from greens found on the journey.
Our participants would agree that this experience encouraged a new relationship with nature. And although it was nice to have a Certified Forest Therapy Guide leading our journey that day, the principles of forest bathing can be practiced at any time and even in your own backyard. We encourage you to make Shinrin-Yoku part of your outdoor experience!
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I loved your description of forest bathing at Bullard Farm and how slowing down among the trees can reset both mind and body (your post painted that experience so vividly). It reminded me of study breaks during a tough semester when I whispered Get an A in MyMathLab to myself before heading out on hikes, and that mix of calm focus and nature always helped me return to problems with fresh clarity.
Reading about forest bathing at Bullard Farm reminded me how stepping out of the rush and into mindful presence can feel like unraveling a tightly wound thought something we often need when tackling complex topics like Psychology Assignment Help in real life. Just as slowing down in nature deepens awareness and calms the nervous system, pausing to reflect before writing or researching can clear the mind and make meaning emerge with a kind of clarity that feels both gentle and profound.
Reading about the quiet stillness at Bullard Farm transported me back to the first time I learned to slow my steps and breathe deeply under towering trees, much like the mindful moments shared in your story of forest bathing here where every rustle and whisper feels like a page unfolding. It reminded me that in life, just as in editing, clarity comes from presence: that subtle joy of noticing the small details that others might miss, which is central to my work as a Book Proofreader who treasures the pause between words as much as the words themselves. The way participants in your gathering found calm through simple observation shows how powerful gentle focus can be, whether in nature or in th…
This is a beautiful reminder of how slowing down and being present can completely change our experience of learning and well-being. The idea of “invitations” to observe, reflect, and truly notice what’s around us feels especially relevant in today’s fast-paced, task-driven world. In a way, this mindful approach mirrors how an online class help service can support students—by creating space to reduce stress, focus intentionally, and engage more deeply rather than rushing through deadlines. Forest bathing shows that meaningful outcomes often come from pausing, reflecting, and giving ourselves permission to learn and grow at a healthier pace.