Hello Wild Soul,
As we approach Beltane in the northern hemisphere, the land feels rich with growth and vitality. On Saturday, we travelled to the brilliant Nottingham Pagan Market. On the journey, I was just mesmerised by the vivid green that has cloaked the land once more, and of course, the blossom too.
In today’s post I wanted to share with you an experience that changed my life and helped deepen my connection with the natural world. I will also be sharing some information about our very special, upcoming Wild Jewellery collection, so let’s dive in!
In 2018, I signed up to a forest bathing course, held in an ancient woodland on Dartmoor. Guided by pioneer Eco therapist Stefan Batorijs of Nature & Therapy we spent a long, autumnal weekend immersed in the healing power of nature. Drawing together two areas of life I had long been fascinated by; nature and wellbeing.
Forest Bathing
‘Forest bathing’ is a translation of the Japanese term ‘Shinrin-yoku’, referring to the practice of immersing ourselves in a forest or wild place. It has become an important part of preventative healthcare in Japan, and the benefits to health and wellbeing have been widely studied. Research has been able to demonstrate scientifically, that which we may feel instinctively, that being immersed in nature, is good for us.
Some of the benefits of spending time amongst the trees include increases to our immune function. Trees release natural antimicrobial compounds called phytoncides that protect the tree from pests and diseases. When we breathe those compounds in, they impact our own immune system by boosting the number of NK cells in our bodies. NK cells help us to fight infection, disease and even detect and control early signs of cancer. These benefits to the immune system were observed for up to 30 days after a visit to a woodland. Stress hormones, heart rate and blood pressure were all shown to decrease when we spend time around trees, whilst metabolism increased and sleep quality improved.
A Deeper Connection
During our forest bathing course, we were guided to slow down and engage our senses to notice things that we may otherwise overlook. I didn’t know it at the time, but this skill allowed me to deepen my connection to the world around me in a profound way. I began to listen, to notice, to observe and experience my surroundings more deeply. I was no longer just walking through a woodland but becoming a part of it, welcomed and held by the land around me.
I began to notice more about the trees I walked beside. The way in which the new leaf buds that open in spring actually grow at the end of summer when the trees have more energy. I noticed how little Birch trees could so often be found springing up in land that had recently been cleared, as if to reclaim it for the wild. I observed how Rowans claimed spots high on the top of hills, whilst Willows and Alders thrived whenever water was near. My walks and visits to wild places became more enriched and filled with meaning and discovery.
The Energy of Trees
These days I am usually found talking about a tree’s energy. Sometimes this word can feel a little ‘out there’ but to me, it is simply information that is shared when we open up to a connection with something. Just like how we come to know or feel a person over time, the same can be true of the wild world.
Birch Burl Collection
That brings me on to our latest collection of Wild Jewellery, that has been inspired by the recent call of the Birch tree, a wonderful tree guide for courage and new beginnings.
A few years ago, we came across a beautiful Birch tree, recently fallen in a storm. It had a small burl on its trunk. Burls can grow on trees for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is where the tree has been injured and healed, sometimes due to an interaction with fungi. Burls are prized in woodwork as they house the most fascinating, irregular grains and colours that are completely unique.
We created 5 wild pendants celebrating this beautiful wood. They will be in store on Beltane eve, Wednesday 30th April at 7pm. You can see a preview of the whole collection in the video below:
You will find our store below:
Wishing you all a moment of magic today,
Nic x
Wild Fen 