The creative benefits of forest bathing for poets and writers
- CoraLynn
- Mar 19
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 20
There is no denying that in today’s fast-paced world, filled with constant distractions, stressful deadlines, creative blocks, and mental fatigue, we often forget to slow down and look for a natural way to recharge our creative spirits. For me, the most effective and natural way is practicing forest bathing.
What is forest bathing?
Forest bathing originated in Japan as Shinrin-yoku. Which translates to forest bathing or taking in the forest atmosphere. This practice involves fully immersing yourself in nature with mindful awareness, engaging all your senses, and allowing the natural surroundings to shape your thoughts and emotions.
The forest has always been a muse to great poets and writers, as nature offers us a rich spring of imagery, emotions, and metaphors. Forest bathing can be an inspiring tool for unlocking creativity, deepening our self-awareness, and fostering a deeper connection with our natural surroundings.
Unlike hiking or exercise, forest bathing is about being present instead of moving with a goal. This shift in our mindset allows writers and poets to observe their surroundings in a way that fosters inspiration for our creative work.
Think of the Haiku. A Japanese poetry form that captures a moment in nature in only 3 lines and exists out of a structure of 5-7-5 syllables. Short in form, the Haiku holds the power to evoke a deep sense of wonder and emotion.
The creative benefits of forest bathing
1. It awakens our senses
Writing is not only about the words. It is about translating experiences into language. When we slow down in the forest, we become more attuned to the scent of damp earth, the golden flicker of sunlight through leaves, the whisper of wind through pine needles. These sensory details bring depth and authenticity to our poetry and prose.
2. A natural way to clear the mental clutter
Creative blocks often stem from over stimulation and mental clutter. The forest offers us rhythmic stillness, inspiring beauty, and a natural reset for the mind. This new clarity creates space for poetic thoughts and writing inspiration to surface.
3. Offers inspiration for metaphor and symbolism
Nature profoundly speaks to us when we take the time to listen. We acknowledge the resilience of tree roots, observe the fleeting nature of a leaf fluttering to the earth, or resonate with the patience of a river carving stone. For poets, these natural elements can become metaphors for human emotions, struggles in life, and new transformations.
4. Nature sparks new creative ideas
Creativity often strikes when we least expect it. The forest, with its endless patterns, colors, and rhythms, stimulates our brain like no other environment. Spending time in the forest allows us to open new creative pathways and lead us to unexpected creative breakthroughs. Without the digital distractions we face these days, thoughts will start to flow more freely. The quiet allows for honest self-exploration, making it an ideal space for deep reflection, personal storytelling, and poetic expression.
5. It enhances our focus and attention
Ever feel distracted or unfocused while working on a creative project? Studies show that time in nature improves attention span and cognitive function by giving the brain a break from overstimulation. This makes forest bathing especially beneficial for creatives struggling to focus on
their work.
6. It deepens our observation skills
We all know that creativity thrives on small details. By practicing mindful awareness in a natural surrounding, we greatly enhance our storytelling by the amount of detail we can add while writing. We can do this by actually observing our natural environment. Listen to the rustling of the leaves, observe how the light flickers on the water, and lean into the roughness of the bark. Observe the small details you experience and translate those moments into your writing.
7. It enhances emotional connection
Great art evokes emotions. Nature has its own unique way of connecting us to deeper feelings and helping creative souls tap into more authentic self-expression. Whether it is the peaceful stillness of a foggy morning or the drama of a thunderstorm, the forest can serve as a mirror for our inner world experiences.
Health benefits of Forest bathing
Even science backs up what we already experience and feel when we walk in nature. Spending time in nature is healing for the heart, mind, and soul.
Here are a few ways in which forest bathing enhances our physical and mental health.
Nature reduces stress and anxiety
It boosts our immune function
It instantly improves mood and mental well-being
It enhances our sleep quality at night
And increases our energy levels
Even short periods of forest bathing can combat mental fatigue and boost our energy. If you often experience burnout after long creative sessions, then taking a nature break can help you feel refreshed and ready to dive back into your creative project.
How to practice forest bathing as a creative?
1. Set aside time for a nature break
Even 20–30 minutes in a forested area can make a difference in our mood and refresh our minds. Try scheduling regular “nature dates” to recharge your creative spirits and gain new inspiration.
2. Choose your setting
Find a serene natural space in your neighborhood. This could be a dense forest, a park with towering trees, or even a secluded garden. The key is to be surrounded by greenery and limited distractions. Let the landscape around you set the tone for your current creative project.
3. No devices allowed
Turn off your phone (or put it on airplane mode) to avoid any unnecessary interruptions while forest bathing. This is a time to deepen our connection with nature, not for digital distractions.
4. Engage all your senses
Before putting pen to paper, take a few moments to engage all your senses. Here are some examples of how to start:
Sight: Notice the patterns of leaves, the play of light and shadows, or the abundance of colors.
Sound: Tune in to birdsong, the rustling leaves, or distant water.
Smell: Inhale the earthy scent of moss, flowers, or tree resin.
Touch: Run your fingers over rough bark, smooth stones, or cool water.
Taste: If it is safe, try foraging for edible plants like wild berries or herbs.
5. Wander without a goal in mind
We must learn to let go of the urge to create something. Do not rush to find inspiration and focus on being present in the moment. Creativity often emerges when we are not actively searching for it.
6. Bring a notebook
After spending time in the forest, sit quietly and jot down your thoughts, observations, or story ideas. You might be surprised at the insights that surface. Let go of writing in structure and write whatever comes to mind. Fragments of an idea, descriptions or metaphors, single words that come to mind. Don’t edit. Don’t judge. Just let the forest guide your creative thoughts.
7. Use prompts for a deeper reflection
If you feel unsure where to start when writing down your thoughts and reflections, try out some of these journaling prompts:
What was the first thing I noticed when entering the forest?
How does this natural space make me feel? Does it evoke any emotions or thoughts?
If the threes could whisper a secret, what would they say?
What elements of nature mirror the emotions that I experience today?
8. Make it a ritual
The more you practice forest bathing, the more benefits you will experience. Treat it as an essential part of the creative process.
Poetry and nature: A timeless connection
Nature has long inspired poets and their writing. For example, let us look at the simplicity of a haiku, where the focus is on observing a fleeting moment in nature. This form of poetry is particularly well-suited for forest bathing.
Let us look closer at this poetry form for you to try out:
The Haiku is a Japanese form of nature-inspired poetry.
Format: 3 Lines consisting of 5-7-5 syllables. The first line exists out of 5 syllables, the second line is 7, and the third line is 5 again.
The focus is on a moment in nature that evokes a deep sense of wonder or emotion.
A famous example of a haiku:
“The Old Pond” by Matsuo Bashō
An old silent pond
A frog jumps into the pond—
Splash! Silence again.
Bringing the Forest Home: Continuing Your Creative Practice
Are you unable to visit the forest every day? You can still carry the inspiration of nature with you into your creative practices by:
Revisiting your journals: Expand on your notes and turn them into finished poems or essays.
Writing from memory: Close your eyes and visualize a past forest walk. What details or experiences come to mind?
Surrounding yourself with nature: Keep leaves, pine-cones, or small stones on your desk as tangible reminders while writing.
Final Thoughts
Writing and creativity are all about absorbing, feeling, and experiencing the world in a new and beautiful way. Forest bathing offers a creative reset by breaking from routine thinking and over-stimulation and instead helping us tap into something deeper and more meaningful.
So, the next time you feel stuck, don’t force inspiration! Instead, go outside and let nature inspire you to find new creative ideas. Your most brilliant ideas might be waiting for you among the trees.
Would you give forest bathing a try? Let me know how nature inspires your creativity!
Stay Connected
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Thank you for being a part of this creative community. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to me.
All my love,
CoraLynn
A Gentle Quill
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