We all know that - instinctively or otherwise. That it is good for the mind, body and soul to connect with nature. For example by having a walk in the woods. No matter how urban or modern we are, we all benefit from spending time outdoors. And woods especially have that special pull that draws many of us into leaving everything for a while, and head to be embraced by the trees.
We talk by the way about embracing trees - rescuing a single tree, or perhaps several of them, from being chopped down for whatever reason. But the opposite is perhaps the more important relationship between man and trees - being embraced by the atmosphere, the scent and the sounds of a forest and its majestic trees. They stand there steady as Father Time, always ready to embrace us. All we need to do is go there.
Walking in the woods can be powerful medicine against depression and all kinds of mental ailments and worries as we become one with the nature. And realize how much life has to offer and how minuscule our own troubles may actually be. Scientific research shows that being in the nature does us good in so many different levels.
What a gift it is actually if that phone connection doesn’t work in the woods (unless you are in peril). Far more important to connect with yourself. Your whole body settles to a different rhythm, and sometimes it is even a good idea to shift from that effective brisk walk to a slow-paced stroll that allows you to fully take in the presence of woods - and those friendly trees. What if we could see them as just that - as friends who are always there to greet us, to welcome us, to nurture us. To give us some of their strength. No matter where we are. In Bois de Boulogne in Paris, in Grünewald in Berlin, in Epping Forest in London. Or in our own neighborhood woods.
For your next city holiday, why not check in advance how to get to the nearest big green area in the map that isn’t a mere park, and head there with something to eat, drink and take pictures with - or just yourself & co. You never know what awaits you there.
Sources:
https://www.quora.com/Where-does-the-phrase-If-you-build-it-they-will-come-come-from-What-does-it-mean
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jul/27/walking-in-the-woods-health
https://10mosttoday.com/10-countries-with-largest-forest-area/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_forest_area