Mushroom bathing - a “forest” sabbatical

The fresh smells, the bright green from the first flush of spring, the warmth of the spring sun on your face. It makes you wonder if the trees feel the same joy of the same sun on their leaves. The term Sabbatical comes from the Hebrew “Shabbat” or Sabbath. It is something we don’t do nearly enough, and often not at all. To take a rest or a break is intuitive, but as in the oldest traditions, using these moments to contemplate more esoteric or spiritual pursuits lifts all boats. For me, my sabbatical takes me to the forest.

The Japanese, as in many things, have made an art or perhaps a ceremony of this. Forest bathing is what they call it. But it is much more than just a stroll in the woods. It engages all your senses. And engages them with peace, calm and the excitement of finding your first morel, oyster, combs tooth, hedgehog or whatever mushroom tickles your fancy.

Research has shown that spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall mood. The soothing sounds of rustling leaves, the sight of sunlight filtering through the canopy, and the earthy mushroomy aroma of the forest floor all contribute to a sense of tranquility and peace. Plants, along with mushrooms, in their vibrant greenery, with their diverse forms, are central to the forest bathing experience.

The presence of trees and mushrooms has been linked to reduced levels of anxiety and depression. The phytoncides, which are natural oils emitted by trees, have been found to boost the immune system and promote relaxation. We contemplate the profound impact that even the smallest elements of nature can have on our well-being. A seed, a spore: both a start of something much bigger.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once put it:

But add some spores to that and whole ecosystems are built. Animals, too, play a vital role in this ecosystem and in our experience of forest bathing. Birds, with their melodious songs, provide a natural soundtrack that can calm the mind and lift the spirit. Observing wildlife, such as deer grazing quietly or squirrels scurrying up trees, fosters a sense of wonder and connection to the broader web of life. All of this can happen in the silence of the moment.

These enigmatic organisms are tied to the earth except when they decide to become airborne and spread their spores. They play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil, feeding their neighbours and forest partners. These intricate mycelial networks of fungi connect trees and plants, facilitating communication and nutrient exchange. Are they connecting to you?

Moreso on the days when the mushrooms are lying low and the fungus is just going about its business, you can’t see them but you can be confident they are still there. That is a spiritual moment. Mushrooms have a rich and long history of spiritual significance in various cultures. Certain species have been used in shamanic rituals and healing practices for their psychoactive properties. These practices underscore the belief that mushrooms can facilitate deeper spiritual experiences and insights.

The serene environment provides a space for introspection, away from the distractions of modern life. The sights, sounds, and smells of the forest can evoke a sense of awe and reverence, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and a greater appreciation for life.

Engage with the forest through mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, or just lying back in the moss, dwelling for a moment or longer on the fungi alive beneath you. Know that they feel your presence as well. These rhythmic patterns of nature, from the rustling leaves to the flowing streams, and the silence of the mushrooms can help to centre the mind and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

By immersing ourselves in the natural world, we can reconnect with the essence of life and find solace in the simplicity and beauty of nature.

As John Muir beautifully expressed:

Embracing the practice of a forest sabbatical can lead to a healthier, more
balanced, and spiritually enriched life. So, step into the forest, breathe deeply, and let nature heal and inspire you. And as you step out of your forest, away from your mushrooms and back to the daily grind, take one more moment, look back and invoke your most heartfelt benediction.

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