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Winter Forest Bathing: A Guide to Connecting with Nature in the Cold

Winter forest bathing might feel like a challenge, but it’s a simple and rewarding way to connect with nature during the colder months. The bare branches, sparkling frost, and hushed atmosphere create an ideal environment for slowing down and grounding yourself. You may find that nature draws your attention away from the cold  And really, how can you not feel refreshed after time spent outdoors?

 

Forest bathing, a mindful and sensory practice, helps deepen your connection with the natural world, no matter the season. Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and even lower blood pressure. Winter forest bathing invites you to embrace these benefits while uncovering the quiet magic of the season. Whether you’re taking a short walk or immersing yourself for an hour, it’s a chance to nurture your well-being and stay connected to the rhythms of nature.

 

Winter Forest Bathing: A Guide to Connecting with Nature in the Cold

Stay Warm: Dress in Layers

There’s a quote from Alfred Wainwright that says, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”

 

When we take the time to dress appropriately for the weather, it can help us fully enjoy our experience in cooler temperatures. The best way to keep warm is to layer up, thoughtfully choosing materials and designs that work together to protect you from the cold while allowing for comfort and mobility. Here’s how to do it right:

 

1- Base layer (top and bottom, wool socks):

Choose thermal undergarments or long underwear made of wool or polyester to keep your core warm and wick away moisture. For the top, look for a snug-fitting thermal shirt or base-layer top. For the bottom, thermal leggings or long johns work well. Wool socks are essential to keep your feet warm and dry – avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and can lead to cold feet.

 

2 – Mid layer (sweater, pants):

This is your insulating layer. For the top, a fleece or wool sweater works well to trap body heat while allowing breathability. For the bottom, opt for comfortable outdoor pants made of materials like softshell, insulated nylon, or other synthetic blends designed to keep you warm without restricting movement. Avoid jeans, as they retain moisture and become heavy and cold when wet.choose fleece pants or fleece-lined pants, depending on your preference and the weather.

 

3 –  Outer layer (jacket, snow pants or wind/rain pants):

Your outer layer should protect you from wind, snow, and rain. Choose a waterproof or windproof jacket that is also breathable to prevent overheating. Snow pants are ideal for extra insulation, but wind or rain pants can work well in milder winter conditions.

 

4  –  Accessories (hat, mitts, scarf, boots)

 

Stay hydrated and fueled:

Bring a thermos of your favourite herbal tea, a high-protein snack like meat, cheese, nuts, or seeds, and maybe a treat like chocolate or a clementine to activate your sense of taste.

 

Pack thoughtfully:

Include a yoga mat or light camp chair for comfort. If you want to be extra cozy, bring a small blanket. You’ll use these in one of the invitations below.

 

Winter Invitations: Connecting Through the Senses

Forest bathing invitations are gentle prompts to help you slow down, tune into your surroundings, and deepen your connection to nature. They’re inspired by the unique beauty of each season, encouraging you to notice what draws your attention and allow nature to guide your experience.

 

Take your time as you walk, pause, listen, and look closely. Invitations might come from the clouds drifting overhead, icicles hanging from the trees, wildlife tracks, or the many colours and textures in a decaying log. The key is to embrace stillness and let the natural world invite you in. I wonder what will invite you to play?

 

Here are four winter-inspired invitations to help you immerse yourself in the season’s quiet magic, using your senses as a guide:

 

Follow the Dance of Winter Shadows

As you wander through the snowy landscape, take a moment to look for the shadows cast by plants on the snow. Pause to watch how the wind moves through the stems and leaves, making their shadows dance across the white surface.

Look closely for “plant tracks” –  the delicate markings left behind where leaves or stems might have brushed against the snow during their movement. These traces tell a quiet story of how even in stillness, nature is alive and creating its own art!

 

The Song of Winter Silence

Find a spot to stop and listen. Close your eyes if it feels comfortable, and tune into the winter soundscape. Do you hear the crunch of snow underfoot? The creak of bare branches? Maybe the soft whistle of the wind or the distant call of birds?

Engage your sense of hearing by focusing on the subtle differences in sound. What is the furthest sound  you  can hear? What is the closest sound you hear? How does the quiet feel to you?

 

Meet Your Winter Tree Companion

Find a tree that catches your eye and approach it like greeting an old friend. Gently place your hand on its bark and notice its texture  –  rough, smooth, or patterned with moss and lichen. Look for winter buds, markings, or signs of wildlife nearby.

Spend a moment simply being with the tree. What story does it share with you? How does it feel to connect in this quiet season?

Before you leave, take a moment to share your gratitude with the tree – maybe even give it a gentle hug.

 

 

Find a Sit Spot

Choose a comfortable spot to sit quietly – on a log, a rock, a patch of snow with something waterproof underneath, or even your porch.

This is where your thermos of tea, a treat, and a small blanket come in. Get cozy and allow yourself to settle into nature’s stillness. Notice the subtle details around you: the play of light, the crisp winter air, or the gentle sounds of the season.

Let this be a moment of rest and connection, a pause to simply be with the natural world as it is.

Tip: Pack a Jar of Sunflower Seeds to Feed the Chickadees!

Chickadees are curious and friendly birds that can brighten any winter walk. Packing a small jar or bag of sunflower seeds gives you the chance to connect with them up close. Hold the seeds in your palm, stay still, and wait patiently, they might just land on your hand to take a seed!

 

This simple act not only creates a memorable moment but also deepens your connection to the natural world. It’s a beautiful reminder of how nature responds when we slow down and show kindness. Plus, it’s a fun way to engage kids or first-time forest bathers during a winter outing!

 

It’s Time to Get Outside!

Remember, there’s no one right way to enjoy forest bathing in winter. The goal isn’t to hike a set distance or cover a lot of ground, it’s to slow down, connect with nature, and allow yourself to be present. Take your time, listen to what draws you in, and let the experience unfold naturally.

 

Whether you’re enjoying the dance of shadows, listening to the quiet winter soundscape, or finding peace in stillness, this practice is a gentle reminder to step out of the rush and into the calm of nature.

 

Let go of any expectations and simply be. Winter has its own unique gifts to offer, let it guide you toward inner peace, connection, and renewal. I’ll leave you with this poem, a reminder of how even the smallest moments in nature can shift our perspective:

 

“Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost

The way a crow

Shook down on me

The dust of snow

From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart

A change of mood

And saved some part

Of a day I had rued.

Ready to deepen your connection with nature and learn sustainable foraging practices, with an expert as your guide?

Enroll in our Wild Harvesting online course where College Director and Clinical Herbalist Yarrow Willard will guide you on your herb harvesting and wild foraging journey.

Connect with the land, learn the plants around you, and understand the fundamentals of how to harvest the highest quality medicinal plants–and sustain all plant stands for future generations.

You can save 25% on the course until February 4th! Click here to learn more.

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