How to Reconnect with Nature Through Seasonal Forest Therapy
How to Reconnect with Nature Through Seasonal Forest Therapy
By Mark Bucha, ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide
Embracing Nature’s Rhythms Year-Round
There’s something magical about stepping into a forest and immediately feeling the shift in energy—the quiet, the coolness, the sense of being part of something bigger than yourself. That magic deepens when you begin to notice how the forest changes through the seasons, each one offering a unique way to connect with nature and yourself.
As a forest therapy guide, I’ve witnessed the healing power of the woods throughout the year, and I’m passionate about helping others reconnect with the natural world. Seasonal forest therapy is a beautiful way to align with nature’s rhythms while nurturing your own well-being. Let me guide you through how each season offers a distinct invitation to immerse yourself in nature, heal, and reflect.
Why Seasonal Forest Therapy?
Nature is always in flux, moving through cycles of growth, abundance, release, and rest. These cycles mirror the ones we experience in our own lives—times of productivity, stillness, transition, and renewal. Seasonal forest therapy helps you tune into these changes, not only in the environment but also within yourself.
I often compare this to something my grandmother used to say: “There’s a season for everything.” As I got older, I realized she wasn’t just talking about life stages but also about the ways we interact with the world around us. Forest therapy, when practiced with the seasons in mind, creates a deeper bond between us and nature. Each season has something to teach us if we slow down enough to listen.
Spring: Renewal and Awakening in Nature
Spring’s Energy in Nature
Spring is the season of renewal—a time when the forest wakes up after winter’s long rest. There’s nothing quite like stepping into a forest in the early morning and catching the first hints of life stirring. Birds sing louder, trees begin to bud, and the smell of fresh earth fills the air.
In my experience, spring is one of the best times to reconnect with nature because everything feels fresh and alive, and we, too, feel that pull for a new beginning.
Mindful Activities for Spring
Sensory Walks: Take a slow, deliberate walk through a forest or park. Notice the fresh buds on the trees, listen for birds that are returning from migration, and inhale deeply the scent of new growth.
Journaling: As you walk, keep a small notebook with you. Jot down the changes you see in the forest, but also reflect on areas of your life where you feel a need for renewal.
When I guide people through the forest in spring, I often ask them to pause and take a deep breath of that crisp, fresh air. It’s like a literal breath of fresh life, a chance to reset. One client of mine, after doing this, said it reminded her of the feeling of decluttering her home—a lightness that came after clearing out the old to make space for something new.
Benefits of Spring Forest Therapy
Spring forest therapy can help you shed the weight of winter—both physically and emotionally. The energy of renewal helps you focus, find clarity, and feel energized. It’s a great time to set intentions for the year ahead and think about what you want to nurture in your life.
Summer: Immersing Yourself in Nature’s Abundance
Summer in Nature
By summer, the forest is in full swing. The trees are lush, the air warm, and the forest floor is teeming with life. Summer is all about abundance and immersion. It’s the perfect time to fully engage your senses and dive deeply into the experience of nature.
Sensory Immersion Practices
Barefoot Walking: Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the earth. Feel the textures beneath your feet—grass, moss, soil—and let yourself truly connect with the ground. Walking barefoot, or "earthing," helps reduce stress and gives you a literal connection to the earth’s energy.
Water Therapy: If you’re lucky enough to have access to streams or lakes, spend time near water. The gentle sounds of water flowing or the feeling of coolness on your skin can be incredibly calming.
This past summer, I led a group to a forest stream for some quiet reflection. We all dipped our finger tips into the cool water and simply stood still, listening to the soft trickle of the stream and feeling the smooth water wash over our hands. I’ll never forget how one participant said she hadn’t felt so at peace in years. Water has a way of washing away the mental noise and bringing you into the moment.
Benefits of Summer Forest Therapy
The abundance of summer encourages you to engage fully with life. It’s a great time to practice mindfulness, increase your sensory awareness, and balance your energy levels. Summer is about being present, enjoying the fullness of life, and soaking in all that nature has to offer.
Autumn: Letting Go and Reflection
Autumn’s Transition in Nature
As the air cools and the leaves begin to change, autumn brings a palpable sense of transition. There’s a beauty in watching the forest let go—leaves falling, plants returning to the earth. It’s a reminder of the natural cycle of release and renewal, both in nature and in our lives.
Mindful Practices for Autumn
Reflective Walking: Take a walk through a forest and listen to the crunch of leaves beneath your feet. The sound can be grounding, helping you feel more connected to your surroundings.
Breathing Exercises: Focus on deep, mindful breathing as you inhale the crisp autumn air. Feel the coolness in your lungs and let the exhale be a release of any stress or tension you’re carrying.
I love guiding walks in the autumn. There’s something about watching the trees let go of their leaves that encourages us to think about what we need to release in our own lives. I remember one walk where a participant stood quietly under a large oak, watching the leaves fall around him. Later, he told me he had been reflecting on a personal loss, and watching the tree let go helped him begin his own process of healing.
Benefits of Autumn Forest Therapy
Autumn is a time for reflection, gratitude, and letting go of what no longer serves you. The natural slowing down of the forest helps you align with the season’s energy, making it a powerful time for emotional release and grounding.
Winter: Finding Stillness and Restoration
Winter in the Forest
In winter, the forest becomes a place of stillness. The trees are bare, the ground is sometimes covered in snow, and everything seems to be resting. While it may seem like the forest is asleep, there’s a quiet energy that’s perfect for reflection and restoration.
Winter Forest Bathing Practices
Stillness Practice: Find a spot in the forest where you can sit comfortably. Bundle up and simply observe the stillness around you. Notice the subtleties of the winter landscape—the way the branches move, the sound of the wind, the quietness of the air.
Mindful Breathing: Winter’s crisp, cold air is perfect for deep, mindful breathing. Focus on long, slow inhales and exhales, letting the cold air refresh you with each breath.
One particularly cold winter day, I took a solo walk in the woods. At first, I thought the forest was completely silent, but as I sat down on a snow-covered log, I started to hear the faintest sounds—branches creaking, the wind whispering through the pines. In the stillness of winter, you begin to notice the quieter aspects of nature. It’s a powerful reminder that even in rest, there is life.
Benefits of Winter Forest Therapy
Winter forest therapy is about restoration and deep contemplation. It’s a time to rest your mind, reflect on the past year, and embrace the stillness. It’s perfect for finding mental clarity and inner peace.
Practical Tips for Seasonal Forest Therapy
Gear Up: Dress appropriately for the season. In spring and fall, layers are your best friend. In winter, make sure to bundle up, and in summer, light clothing and plenty of water are key.
Set Intentions: Before each forest therapy session, set a personal intention. Whether it’s to find clarity, release stress, or simply enjoy the moment, having an intention will help guide your experience.
Embrace the Guides trail selection: Whether it’s a local park, forest, or nature reserve, the guide has a specific criteria for choosing a location. Each season will highlight different aspects of the natural world, so be open to explore a variety of places.
Conclusion: Reconnecting with Nature Year-Round
Seasonal forest therapy is more than just spending time outdoors—it’s about aligning with the cycles of nature and deepening your connection to the world around you. Whether you’re walking through spring’s fresh growth, feeling the abundance of summer, reflecting in autumn’s transition, or finding stillness in winter, each season offers a unique opportunity for healing and self-discovery.
So, take time to reconnect with nature, and let the changing seasons guide you toward a deeper understanding of yourself. Nature’s rhythms are your rhythms—embrace them, and you’ll find that nature has much to teach you.
Want to try a seasonal forest therapy walk? Contact me to schedule a remote or in person experience.
Learn more www.intothewildwalks.net
