Guided Forest Bathing Walk: Moments of Reflection and Peace

By Fleur Esteron, CSFS Centre Coordinator 

On a sunny day in June, members of the TMU community participated in a forest bathing walk at High Park in Toronto, Ontario. The walk was guided by Dr. Chizuru Nobe-Ghelani, CSFS Member and Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work. 

Chizuru led us on a walk through a hidden forest in the middle of High Park. Indeed, it was an oasis in the city paired with intentional moments of solace from the bustling noise of our city. Participants were treated to a slow, meditative pace as Chizuru invited us to open our senses with instances of reflective participation. 

The walk began by explaining the practice of "Shinrin-yoku", or forest bathing, and introductions amongst new friends which included our name and answering the question “what am I holding today?”. Chizuru invited us to engage our five (or 6 or 7) senses, to “taste the air”. We ventured into the forest where we were welcomed by mature trees, and by flora and fauna, reminding us that we are guests in their home. 

Continuing on, Chizuru encouraged us to participate in activities throughout our walk which served as moments to ground us in the present. We stopped at a fairy garden that reminded us to be playful and never lose our sense of wonder. Then, we each chose a tree and engaged in reciprocal connection with our new tree friend. We engaged and activated our sense of touch by sitting and gently picking up materials in the forest. We ventured deeper, walked a narrow path, and were invited to smell the forest. Lastly, to show appreciation to the forest’s beauty and our time together, Chizuru invited us to create a monument to commemorate the day. 

Our day ended with snacks, including homemade mochi cake and dandelion and raspberry leaf teas, lovingly prepared by Chizuru. It was an afternoon well spent. A feast for the senses while simultaneously healing for our minds, bodies, and souls. Thank you, Chizuru, for sharing your knowledge and time with us.