Mushroom bathing - a “forest” sabbatical

There is nothing like the first Sunday of Morel season out in the woods.

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.

The forest, with its rich biodiversity, plays a crucial role in stress relief.

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 aptly put it, "The creation of a
thousand forests is in one acorn." 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.

For me, the most fascinating and spiritually significant inhabitants of the forest are mushrooms.

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 forest offers us this sanctuary for spiritual reflection and growth.
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.
Forest and mushroom bathing offers you the profound remedy for the
stresses of modern life and a pathway to spiritual upliftment.
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, "The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."
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.
 
Please leave a comment, share an observation, leave a suggestion for a topic
or start an inspired dialogue

Back to blog

Leave a comment