Maria Lisa Polegatto October 2025
Into the forest I go ....to save my mind, heal my body and replenish my soul.
There is nothing better than going into nature to refresh oneself and gain resilience. Forests have a special place in my heart and I understand why it was my Dad's favorite part of nature. After growing up in the country, nature is my greatest healer.
I still wander through the trees and trails marveling at all of the delights and gifts of nature from the fungi, mushrooms, tree species and wildlife. A forest floor filled with colorful fall leaves is both beautiful and nature's way of feeding the forest with nitrogen. Moss grown on dead trees and stumps intrigue me and decay into the soil to renew again. Old man's beard hanging from tree branches is medicinal and also appears as if the forest is magical. Have you even seen a tree that looks like it could be a talking tree in a movie? Roots grow deep in the forest.
To hike in nature is a refreshing "forest bath". But, did you know you can gain a deeper connection with nature and receive deeper healing? You can and it's called "forest therapy". It's where you connect, literally, with your senses to see, smell, taste, touch, and hear nature. You can see the beauty from the sun peering through the branches, taste blueberries, strawberries and cranberries, touch the bark of trees, smell the forest aroma and hear the wind rustle through the branches and the calls of wildlife.
A forest therapy guide will help you connect through a slow and mindful walk in nature paying attention to even the smallest details. How do you feel before and after your trip into the forest? Do streams and waterfalls excite you? Have you used nature's free tools to make art in the forest? Rocks, sticks, fallen leaves and flowers can create beautiful art works you can leave in the forest.
Keeping a nature journal can help you be creative by sketching your finds and keeping a diary of your visits. Did you know bees can indicate a water source is nearby? Crooked trees can be trail markers to indicate the direction to water or other important areas.
We are all a part of nature and nature is a part of us. We share this earth as guardians to protect, conserve and collaborate with nature. Let's do our part to make a positive difference in the world one day at a time - no matter how small our contribution fees - it is important - you are important. Nature will remind you of that. Get out and enjoy nature's healing benefits.
Maria Lisa Polegatto
Forest Therapy Practitioner
www.marialisapolegatto.com
I still wander through the trees and trails marveling at all of the delights and gifts of nature from the fungi, mushrooms, tree species and wildlife. A forest floor filled with colorful fall leaves is both beautiful and nature's way of feeding the forest with nitrogen. Moss grown on dead trees and stumps intrigue me and decay into the soil to renew again. Old man's beard hanging from tree branches is medicinal and also appears as if the forest is magical. Have you even seen a tree that looks like it could be a talking tree in a movie? Roots grow deep in the forest.
To hike in nature is a refreshing "forest bath". But, did you know you can gain a deeper connection with nature and receive deeper healing? You can and it's called "forest therapy". It's where you connect, literally, with your senses to see, smell, taste, touch, and hear nature. You can see the beauty from the sun peering through the branches, taste blueberries, strawberries and cranberries, touch the bark of trees, smell the forest aroma and hear the wind rustle through the branches and the calls of wildlife.
A forest therapy guide will help you connect through a slow and mindful walk in nature paying attention to even the smallest details. How do you feel before and after your trip into the forest? Do streams and waterfalls excite you? Have you used nature's free tools to make art in the forest? Rocks, sticks, fallen leaves and flowers can create beautiful art works you can leave in the forest.
Keeping a nature journal can help you be creative by sketching your finds and keeping a diary of your visits. Did you know bees can indicate a water source is nearby? Crooked trees can be trail markers to indicate the direction to water or other important areas.
We are all a part of nature and nature is a part of us. We share this earth as guardians to protect, conserve and collaborate with nature. Let's do our part to make a positive difference in the world one day at a time - no matter how small our contribution fees - it is important - you are important. Nature will remind you of that. Get out and enjoy nature's healing benefits.
Maria Lisa Polegatto
Forest Therapy Practitioner
www.marialisapolegatto.com
Author
Maria Lisa Polegatto grew up and lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, where she works full time. To rest and relax she loves to retreat into nature and spend time with animals enjoying the magic that surrounds us. Contact Maria Lisa at www.marialisapolegatto.com.
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