Sunday Getaway To A Local Natural Retreat

Sunday Getaway

Parismita Goswami

You must have heard about “Shinrin-yoku,” a Japanese practice of seeking a more profound connection with nature by spending intentional time cocooned by trees.

Normally referred to as forest bathing, the meditative practice concerns all of our senses and has incredible effects on health and happiness.

Forest bathing explores the areas of health benefits, including reduced stress, lower blood pressure, improved mood, and increased focus and energy.

Shinrin Yoku helps you detox from the hustle and bustle by opening your visions to the healing power of trees. Humans share an intrinsic bond with nature. Not that it just cures or is visually stunning, but a bond as pure as a mother and her child.

This Sunday, I made up my mind to spend some time with nature. My grandfather often told me about nature’s magic and healing power. And, it was time I try.

For the last on-two weeks, I have been detecting some serious issues with my physical health, which started affecting my spiritual and mental health. And, then I came to read an article on ‘Forest Bathing,’ and I knew, this is it. Nature’s lap was calling to experience the core of energy and life.

The adventure

It was 5′ clock when my phone rang the alarm, and I instantly jumped out of bed. By 6 am, I arrived at Basistha temple, where I was supposed to meet a random bunch of people to trek and hike with. By that time, everyone was there, with their friends and some solo, like me.

Garbhanga Forest Reserve, a local reserve forest in Guwahati bordering Meghalaya, will become the 25th wildlife sanctuary in Assam.

When I saw the post about the trek or natural trail on Instagram, I didn’t have a second thought about it. The fact that it’s in Guwahati stunned me, and my feet said, let’s do this. A 6-7 km trek, amidst the thin narrow sludgy pavements and bamboo trees, it was by 6.30 that we started our journey.

Something about the morning rejuvenates me and makes me feel humming. Certainly, I am a morning spirit, and I remain my best during the hours of it. Well, as we started on our route, we started mingling with each other. Helping each other cross the muddy terrain and tiny flowing streams.

The visual of ducks floating under the light rays is a scene hardly to be found even in villages these days.

As we moved forward, I could sense my body reacting to the birdcalls and fresh aura. The dews on the leaves hanging on the leaning stems touching my cheeks felt like good morning kisses from my mother. My mind kept reminding me, dear, you are here to be healed. The sound of the downstream kept playing like soothing music in the forest’s silence.

By the time we reached the endpoint, all the team members were friends.

The last view was the waterfall, and I would not say the water was milky white, and it was as beautiful as Wei-sawdong.

But, something about it made it sit there for a while and soak my lower body in the cold water. Therapeutic, I was already healed as I washed my hands, mud-ridden feet, and hands.

The best part

Do you know walking barefoot on the earth is healthy for the mind, body, and soul? It is also a spiritual practice to enhance well-being. Walking naked on the ground helps you connect to the calmness of the earth by exchanging energies and helping our balance and body alignment.

For some time, I opened my shoes and went for a walk in the forest, strolling barefoot. The body responded to the positive energy transferred from the ground into my body and nervous system like it was waiting for this moment.

I touched the trees and hugged them, and my heart felt light. The healing process began once I entered the forest, the moments I was silent and listening to what nature had to say.

The language of love isn’t always in the script or the letters but the silence.

Garbhanga Reserve Forest is a gift of wonder. Loaded with some fresh air and scenic beauty, it is also known for its butterflies. Rudimentary of all human health and wellness is hidden inside the forest’s heart. The old trees and untouched roots fill the mind and spirit with flamboyant secrets of ailments. And, you will know only if you have tried.

The End

I know medicine, science and technology is the century’s greatest gift. But there is something more powerful and invincible, nature. So, why not take out some time, explore, live a day out in the woods and jubilate.

Instead of spending your night partying and Sunday sleeping late, put on your shoes and go out for a new adventure.

Pretty much assured you will forget your worries and diseases. And, come back with a bag full of positive energy to keep you fostered with good health, mind, and spirit.

Make sure forest bathing is on your checklist next weekend.

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