Forest Bathing

Day 7 on the Via di Francesco

Today was a day spent almost entirely walking through forest. I was reminded of the idea of ‘Forest Bathing’; a definition being ” the practice of intentionally immersing oneself in a forest atmosphere using all five senses to reduce stress, improve mental health, and boost immunity. I am not sure about all of that but there is something special about waalking through natural forest.

Words from Zabaldika on the Camino de Santiago which came to me yesterday came into my mind again today.

The Camino calls you to contemplate, to be amazed, to welcome, to interiorize, to stop, to be quiet, to listen to, to admire, to bless .. nature, our companions on the journey, our own selves, God.

These first few days it’s less about the destination(s) but more about the journey.

The day quite start so perfect – waking up in a shared room with three womwn who were still asleep and realising I hadn’t prepared my backpack and not wanting to disturb them. I shoved everything in my baag and sorted it downstairs then set off to find somewhere to pray.

The place I found could have been better when I climbed out of the village I arrived at the pass where there was some seating and yet another view! I couldn’t help but praise God with that to look at.

Once again I consciously slowed down to hear the sounds, smell the scent of the forest and flowers. Several times I felt like I was walking a golden processional route with broom flowering.

There weren’t as many spectular views today as the forest was so dense, but it gave more of an opportunity to enjoy the detail. The sound of a cuckoo, the abundance of chestnut trees.

As I knew there was going to be several stream crossings I tried out my hiking sandals. It mean I could just wade through without worrying about getting my feet wet. I already hike in barefoot boots which give me a real connection with the earth I am walking on because of the thin soles but these sandals were a whole new level. My feet were washed in the stream, covered in mud from the trail, an even deeper connection with Mother Earth. I did change back later though.

At some point I was reminded of the hymn, How Great thou art.

When thru the woods
And forest glades I wander
And hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze,

Chorus
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art,
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art,
How great Thou art!

I will admit I was singing as I walked. In one day I felt I had experienced the whole lot!

As always the last few kilometers felt like a struggle.

I arrived at the destination, tired and in need of a rest. Once I had found my accommodation I enjoyed some peaceful soliray time to relax and restore. I had called at the local Coop and picked up some Tuscan Bean Soup to heat up in the microwave and because I felt like I needed to replenish my electrolytes ………..