In the fast-paced life we all live today, our hearts long for peace, silence, and connection — not just with others, but with ourselves. Sometimes, all it takes is a walk into the arms of nature to rediscover that. This Sunday, I gave myself this beautiful gift — a soulful experience called Forest Bathing — and I would love to share my journey with you.
“Come home to the forest” — this one simple line on her Instagram page was enough to convince me to join the session. She is Nidhi Bobal, a Forest Bathing Facilitator, Animal and Nature Communicator, Telepathy Therapist, and now a very good friend. It’s amazing how this bond formed so naturally in just 3 hours of walking, breathing, and feeling nature with her. I felt deeply connected to her through nature, and I’ve seen it happen the other way around too — people connect with nature through her. I’m truly thankful to her and to my dear friend Neha, who introduced us to this soulful journey.
The session started with slow, silent, and mindful walking. We observed nature, smelled the fresh earthy scents, noticed the colors of the trees and leaves, felt the texture of the leaves and branches — and most importantly, we surrendered ourselves to the forest.
At first, all I could see were dry trees. But then, suddenly, a fresh green tree caught my eye, standing tall with its bright-colored leaves shining between the dry branches all around it. It felt like the tree was trying to tell me — “There is always a ray of hope, even in your darkest times.”
I stood there, deeply observing that tree, as if soaking its freshness and brightness into my body — and that itself felt like therapy.
A little while later, Nidhi asked us to take a slow 360-degree turn and feel the rays of the Sun. When my back was facing the Sun, I felt as if the Sun was whispering to me:
“Turn around, don’t fear, I am only here to heal you. Come, embrace me within yourself.”
The moment I faced the Sun, I felt its rays entering every part of my body, as if healing every pain. I stretched my hands wide open and tried to absorb as much energy from the Surya Devta as I could — hoping to store that warmth and strength inside me forever.
As we walked deeper into the forest, we found a beautiful trail leading us to a fresh, green patch. A cool breeze welcomed us, as if the forest itself had open arms, asking us to spend some time there.
Even though the ground was covered with dry fallen leaves, the sound they made under my feet was music to my ears. Nidhi then asked us to roam around freely, explore the trees, feel the surroundings, and meet her back at the same spot after about 15 minutes.
I felt like I was set free — free to do whatever I wanted, to feel my “inner self.” I walked around, picking up fallen branches, leaves, and stones. When I poured water on a stone and smelled it, wo gilli mitti wali khushboo just awakened something deep within me. I felt completely lost in nature.
When we gathered back, Nidhi asked us to choose any tree and hug it tightly, close our eyes, and just feel. When I hugged the tree, it felt so warm, like I had found someone who wasn’t in a hurry to leave my embrace. I could’ve hugged it forever. It smelled so good, I could almost feel its heartbeat, and for a moment, it felt like the tree was hugging me back with its branches and leaves.
It was as if the tree transferred all its positive energy into me, and all the negativity inside me quietly traveled down through its roots, into the earth, setting me free. It was so peaceful, so warm.
Next, we were asked to lie down under a tree full of lush green leaves and look up at them, imagining ourselves as our favorite bird. Gaurrya (sparrow) — my favorite bird, the one I grew up seeing, roaming around freely in my veranda — instantly came to my mind. The thought made me feel nostalgic, taking me back to those carefree childhood days. We were told to imagine what we would do as that bird — flying from one branch to another, getting curious, touching nature, getting attracted to colors and smells, and being completely free.
Kabhi kabhi life mein aisa lagta hai ki humare aas paas sab apne hi hain, jo humein pyar karte hain aur hamesha saath dete hain, fir bhi kabhi kabhi lagta hai ki aur doston ki zarurat hai. Looking at the countless leaves above, I felt like each leaf was my friend. They were smiling at me and saying, “Do whatever you want, say whatever you feel, behave however you like — we are not here to judge you. We will love you just the way you are.” I felt like sharing all my feelings with them, and I did.
Nidhi gave us the chance to express whatever we felt during the session. I felt so comfortable, so safe, speaking about my feelings, and everyone — including Nidhi — appreciated me for opening up. Most importantly, no one judged me. I truly felt “at home” in the forest. The line “Come home to the forest” had come alive for me.
Later, Nidhi shared fruits with us. Washing the fruit, feeling its texture, and then eating it right there in the middle of the forest made it taste so different. Apple mujhe isse pehle itna tasty kabhi nahi laga.
I also felt more connected to my new friends during this session. Listening to everyone speak about their feelings was heartwarming. We ended the session with tight hugs for each other.
It was a beautiful Sunday morning, spent so close to nature. I feel relaxed, refreshed, and so ready for the week ahead. I feel confident enough to finally finish my long-pending office work. I even have some new ideas on how to spend quality time with my kids and take better care of my family. And guess what — I even feel my husband is more romantic now!
Nature really has its own quiet magic. If you ever get a chance to experience Forest Bathing — don’t think twice. Go home to the forest.
