FOREST BATHING #5

Potluck With Tonya Penrose

The table is set for the character Nash Walker’s return on this day. He’s serving the final sense to tap when doing forest bathing. It’s a sixth sense and one that Nash has put a lot of emphasis on developing. Yes, developing. Unlike our five senses that arrive at birth, this one is particularly curious in the role.

Here’s a reminder. If you haven’t read the previous posts on forest bathing, please take a few minutes to do so. This is a building practice where the steps followed equal success in making tree friends.

So, lift your plate. I’m dishing up the last huge serving for you to partake in. It will set you up to experience a lifetime of forest bathing in joy, health, and always surprises. Say your tree blessings. Nash is waiting.

NASH:

Thanks for returning to the table for likely my last visit with you about the tall friends. It’s bittersweet, for I’ve enjoyed my character’s return to life. Being able to introduce the practice of forest bathing to new readers is gratifying. Further, I hope you’ll consider sharing the practice with others. Let’s keep the tree friendship alive and growing.

Just like the other times, I’m inviting you to join Abby and me in the woods. Today is special for her and for you, too. It’s what I call an integration exercise. It marks the culmination of her learning. So, take a deep, cleansing breath and find your tree.

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NASH and ABBY return to the woods.

Excerpt from my book: Welcome to Charm *

“Nash, does your pulse rate feel like it's slowing down? Mine does. Why?"

“That’s because your body appreciates exposure to the natural elements. They serve to soothe and balance. You’re receiving forest medicine.”

 “I want to hear more.”

“To draw from poet Emerson’s essay titled Nature, ‘In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel nothing can befall me in life, no disgrace, no calamity, (leaving my eyes,) which nature cannot repair.’” Nash halted and turned to Abby. “Well?”

“That’s beautiful, and I quite agree.” She bent down and touched a vivid orange wildflower. “My research has always been with flora, so I’d love to hear about forest medicine. It sounds fascinating.” Abby ambled onward.

“Sure. To enhance their healing properties, trees release substances called phytoncides. Research shows that the oils reduce blood pressure and heart rate, explaining the drop in pulse drop. Want more?”

Abby’s mouth opened, but a nod was all she could produce.

“Remember, during our first session, I told you this. Being in nature does our bodies good, while urban living depletes life’s essence. Trees heal us. They’re nature’s elixir for our spirit, mind, and especially the body.” Nash inhaled.

“My kind of talk. What else? How about the sixth sense?”

Do you see how the trees surround and cocoon us?”

Abby nodded.

“The sixth sense asks us to experience tree wonder. When we wonder, we gain inspiration and maybe a little humility—at least I do. The sixth sense asks us to empty ourselves so that wonder can seep into our being in this moment. Focus on the miraculous workings of nature, how everything is timed perfectly.

How do the animals know to prepare for season changes? Notices don’t go out—or do they? Do you wonder?” Nash paused. What are you feeling?”

Abby grabbed a breath before answering. “I feel…I feel awash in the tranquility and the wonder of it all. I get this sense. I like how it awakens that emotion in me that’s usually dormant.” Abby swept her arms in a wide circle. “I do wonder.”

“That tells me you’re prepared to forest bathe, tapping into all the senses.” Nash surveyed where they stood and made some adjustments. “Okay, keep perfectly centered. Ready?”

“Ready.” Abby relaxed her body and told her wayward mind to hush.

“This is what I call The Method. It’s my fully immersive version of forest bathing. First, I’d like you to cast your six senses out toward the trees. Observe them. This is subtle but powerful.” Nash’s voice took on a reverence. “Next, find your tree. It’s the tree that calls to you, beckons to you.”

“I see the one for me. What now?” asked Abby.

“Using all senses, go stand under it. Lean on it. Touch the tree. Take in the aroma specific to it. Gaze deeply into its soul. Listen to your tree’s voice. If led, let your tongue taste a leaf. Absorb everything. And when you feel ready, join me on the log. I’ve one final thing to share about the tree you choose. Any questions?”  

Abby shook her head, never having an assignment that left her breathless with anticipation. She set out toward her tree.

Unaware of the hour that had passed, Abby returned to a waiting Nash. The tree bathing had awakened a part of her primordial nature and married them.

“Hello there.” Abby gave a little wave. “I’m back and ready to declare my love affair with the forest. Did you miss me?”

Nash glanced up. “Alas, I was sitting here pining away and feeling pretty jealous about you seeing a walnut tree,” Nash bantered.

Abby’s walnut tree made a loud swishing sound, grabbing her attention. “About my tree beau, you taunted me about sharing something more?”

Nash cleared his throat and pulled back. “Yes, your tree of choice has something to impart that you’ll find…well, you can answer that yourself. Trees carry predictions for those who believe. It’s said feeling called to bathe with a walnut tree means you may travel to foreign lands. A walnut has a single taproot, which portends you will soon tap into the right direction.” Nash paused. “It’s also said bathing under a walnut brings success and lasting romance. Each tree offers infinite gifts. That’s why you will feel the call to return bathe in tree splendor—in tree wonder.”

Abby considered Nash’s words. “I’m pondering my encounters with the tall friends and where they’ve led me. The study and practice of forest bathing and receiving forest medicine on these visits have opened vistas. Thank you for making the introduction. Thank you for a lifetime gift, Nash.”

“You’re welcome. I know you’ll make a devoted friend to our tall friends. I cannot ask for more.” Nash motioned to Abby, saying it was time to go.

Glancing over her shoulder, she said, “I’ll be back tomorrow.” The walnut in her hand would serve as her reminder.

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Well, I guess this concludes my time and lessons with you on The Method of forest bathing. You’ve learned only some of the benefits and gifts. The experiences with your tall friends are yours to have and build on. I hope you will. NASH

I’m back to gather your empty plates from our last lesson with Nash Walker. I hope you’re leaving the Potluck With Tonya Penrose table feeling fully blessed by having learned about and experienced forest bathing.

Perhaps later, I will delve further into the practice and share more. And maybe you will feel called to add to the exchange after your time forest bathing.

Until next time, consider making tree introductions to your friends and family. The more time spent in the company of the tall friends, the better for all!

If you’re interested in visiting the enchanted mountain town of Charm and getting to know the characters, find everyone waiting to say hello here:

https://mybook.to/ekvCA

Movie Pitch Package available upon request from World Castle Publishers

*Welcome to Charm, published by World Castle Books, May 2022. Excerpts are taken from the book.

Graphic Vicky Whedbee