Immersion — by definition, a “deep mental involvement in something” — captures the essence of shinrin-yoku beautifully. For me, it means allowing myself to be held by the forest. The soft whisper of leaves or sunlight shimmering through the branches brings a sense of inner peace that gently carries me into stillness. You’re not there to count steps or reach a goal; you’re there to arrive — to feel part of something bigger.
When I slow my breathing and allow myself simply to be, everything softens.You might try the same: sit on a fallen log, lean your back against a tree, or just stand quietly for a moment. Give yourself permission not to “do” anything. In that stillness, something subtle shifts inside.
I often slip my shoes off to feel the earth directly beneath my feet — the textures, the temperature, that grounding pull. During meditation, I imagine roots growing from my feet, weaving into the roots of trees and plants, threading gently through the mycelium network beneath the soil. It reminds me that I’m connected to a vast, living community — and it brings me back to my truest self.
The forest always sets the pace. I try to follow my curiosity, noticing the tiny things: the colours and patterns in moss, the way a single leaf curls, the scent of damp soil, the brush of wind on my skin. You may find your own little wonders — small creatures under a log, fungi hiding in the bark, or light shifting through the trees. These moments soften the nervous system and settle the mind.
And it’s these small, quiet discoveries that have supported my mental health more than anything else. They help me see my life with fresh eyes, recognise what truly matters, and reconnect with what brings me joy. Forest immersion isn’t just calming — it can be deeply transformative. Spending time in nature strengthens our sense of connection with the living world. It helps us feel more attuned, more caring, and more aware of our place within this shared web of life. And from that connection grows something powerful: a natural desire to live in a way that nourishes both ourselves and the earth.