What happened when I tried forest bathing in Seattle

So on Friday I told you about the recent article I read on forest bathing. Supposedly, bathing (or inhaling) the essential oils emitted by trees is good for the health.

It was such a beautiful weekend I decided to give it a shot.

RELATED: Why you should get out to the forest more often

On Sunday, after adjusting all my clocks, I jumped in the car and drove out to Discovery Park. Turns out I was not the only person in Seattle wanting to be outside. Eventually, I found a parking space and started my first Forest Bathing experience.

If you’ll recall from Friday’s article, forest bathing is simply being in the presences of trees — just being with them. You don’t have to hike. Just hang out. Wander about if you like. It’s more about relaxing.

Forest bathing in Seattle

So I set out into the woods and walked about half a mile. That’s when I tried to figure out what it meant to meander? Was I supposed to just stand by a tree? Or maybe sit down and lean up against the tree? Hug the tree? I was stumped, so to speak.

It was at this point I realized that I am a typical Northwest hiker. I like to find a good pace and hike. Admittedly, I was kind of confused as to what I was supposed to do to successfully Forest Bathe.

That’s when I spotted a makeshift bench next to the trail. I plopped down and decided that maybe I should just sit there and “be with the trees.” So I sat and I looked around. And I tried that deep breathing thing from mindfulness. I closed my eyes for a bit. Then opened them back up.

I got bored and decided to take a few photos.

Then I hiked back to the car.

I don’t know if I did it right. Maybe that’s not the point.

At any rate, it was an absolutely perfect day in the Pacific Northwest, and I was enjoying the woods in my own way.

As far as I’m concerned, I meandered with the best of them.

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