Nature walks, such as those that can be enjoyed along the sections of the Tourdera, provide us with many benefits for our health and well-being. To fully enjoy them, there is nothing better than doing so in silence, as this allows us to connect deeply with the natural environment. For this reason, we have prepared this article, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of experiencing nature in silence and perceiving it in all its splendour. We therefore invite you to try a “forest bath”, an increasingly popular practice that encourages connection with nature and contributes to both physical and mental well-being.
Psychological well-being and quality of life are closely linked to the presence of accessible green spaces, their quality and the frequency with which we enjoy them. For nature to provide us with these benefits, it is essential to respect it and ensure that our presence does not disturb its balance. One of the proposals we make to connect with it consciously is the “forest bath”, a well-being practice that consists of immersing ourselves in the natural environment through sensory activities, thus promoting the restoration of physical, mental and social health.
To take a forest bath, you should know that:
- The aim is not simply to reach a place, but to be there and live the experience
- Choose a route that does not require great physical effort and is located in a peaceful environment, with little noise and few people.
- Walk with full awareness of what surrounds you
- Approach nature with respect and allow yourself to be surprised by the sensations it conveys.
- Connect emotionally with the environment and let yourself be carried away by its energy.
- Spend between 30 minutes and 2 and a half hours immersing yourself in this experience.
Before taking a forest bath, we recommend that you:
- Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the weather conditions.
- Bring water, some food and a mobile phone with a charged battery.
- Choose an accessible and peaceful itinerary. In some places, there are routes specifically signposted for this experience.
- Find out about the chosen forest and the available paths.
- Know and respect the rules, property and possible restrictions of the area, as well as the route signage.
- Always collect any waste generated during the visit and try not to disturb the natural balance.
Finally, we suggest 10 activities to enjoy a complete forest bath:
- Disconnect: Enter the natural space with full awareness. Listen to the sound of your footsteps and your breathing. Pause to observe your surroundings and connect with nature and the living beings around you.
- Listen to your body: Move through the forest until you find a place that feels pleasant to you. Sit or lie down if you need to and pay attention to the sensations in your body: how do you feel the light, the air and the temperature on your skin?
- Capture the sounds: Once you have observed the surroundings, close or half-close your eyes and listen carefully. What kind of sounds do you perceive? Are they near or far away? Is there one that you find more pleasant? Let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the forest.
- Explore the smells: Once you have observed the surroundings, close or half-close your eyes and listen carefully. What kind of sounds do you perceive? Are they near or far away? Is there one that you find more pleasant? Let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the forest.
- Tune in to the rhythm of nature: Make your steps slower and slower and observe the movement around you: on the ground, in the sky, in the leaves of the trees, among the birds or the insects. What rhythm does this natural space have?
- Discover the shapes: Observe the silhouettes of the trees, the relief of the mountains or the shape of the flowers and fruits. Notice the smallest details, such as the structures of the leaves, stones or insects.
- Express yourself: Share your experience creatively, without disturbing the environment. You can make a drawing, write a word or a sentence, or simply let yourself be guided by the inspiration of the moment.
- Connect with nature: Notice whether any element of the forest catches your attention, whether because of its shape, its presence or how it makes you feel. Relate it to your life or to a special moment for you.
- Find your space: Let your body guide you to a place where you feel like stopping. Sit down, lie down and observe what is happening around you. Is there any detail you would like to remember from this moment?
- Say goodbye to the forest: Take a moment to leave it consciously. Recall the experience and turn this farewell into a symbolic gesture: touch a natural element, cross a specific path or simply pause before leaving.
As you can see, forest bathing is a very personal experience that provides well-being, but it is essential to do it in silence and in a peaceful environment. For this reason, we ask that when you visit nature or walk along any section of the Tourdera, you do so respectfully: avoid making unnecessary noise and minimise your impact on the space. This not only benefits the conservation of ecosystems, but also allows other visitors to fully enjoy the experience.
If the idea of forest bathing has caught your attention but you do not feel ready to do it alone, you can get started with the help of experts. In the Parc Natural del Montseny, within the framework of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, you will find the accredited company EduCA Viladrau, which organises guided forest bathing sessions.
Sunset. Photo: David Bello.
