What does Urban Forest Therapy look like?

2 min read

I let my eyes look at the fallen petals
on the sidewalk as though I was in a museum,
taking in an abstract piece of art.

You can practice forest therapy anywhere.

Despite feeling like I had a lot to get done today (and “didn’t have time”), I took a short walk around my city neighborhood.

I couldn’t help but slow down as I started to see tiny pink petals appear beneath my feet and realized I was approaching a beautiful blooming tree.

I let my eyes look at the fallen petals on the sidewalk as though I was in a museum, taking in an abstract piece of art.

I paused to tune into the sensations under my feet. I felt the soft, squishy, slippery petals and noticed the contrast between how the petals felt compared to the grittiness of the sidewalk.

I stepped around in it, noticing how the airy petals responded to my movement. I made my own masterpiece by gliding the toe of my shoe around in the petals.

Then I looked up at the tree. For a few minutes, I let my eyes soften and study how the petals were arranged on the tree, little bunches all the way up the branches. I let my mind look for any shapes that appeared like you do when you look at clouds in the sky. Just noticed what came to mind.

I looked through the petals and let the blue sky take focus while the petals went soft.

I took a deep breath to see if I could catch the scent of the blooms in the wind. A soft, sweet floral scent filled my nose.

I took another deep breath and allowed myself to pause for one extra moment. To really be present and find peace in that moment.

I let myself enjoy the peace of presense🕊

I felt my body relax and started on my way.

My walk didn’t last more than 20 minutes but I vividly remember those few moments I paused with the pink petals on the sidewalk more than any of it.

I came back to my desk refreshed and ready to dive back into work.

How do you connect with nature in your neighborhood?