The Resting Place - Holding spaces for people to rest and connect with nature

Today, marks a new chapter in my journey as a forest therapy guide. I have established The Resting Place as the name of my forest therapy group in Bangkok and this is the logo for the group. The Resting Place aims to hold spaces for the many busy people out there to find rest and connection with nature. Through the sessions, I hope that people will take time to connect with forest and to rediscover themselves as part of the whole natural ecosystem.

Forest therapy, also known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in the healing powers of nature. It has been proven scientifically to have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and boosting mood. The Resting Place is a liminal space where one can meet with nature and establish this unique relationship with the forest - to allow the forest to heal and restore you.

As you make your way to The Resting Place, you can feel the tension melting away with each step you take. The air is crisp and clean, and the scents of pine and oak trees fill your nostrils. The sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind is a soothing symphony that envelops you in a sense of peace and calm.

You can find a comfortable spot to sit and take in your surroundings. The sunlight filters through the canopy of trees above, creating a dappled pattern on the forest floor. You close your eyes and focus on your breath, letting go of any thoughts or worries that may be weighing you down.

As you sit in silence, you can feel the energy of the forest seeping into your body. It is as if the trees are whispering words of wisdom and comfort to you, reminding you of the interconnectedness of all living things. You feel a sense of gratitude for the natural world and the healing powers it holds.

You open your eyes and take a leisurely stroll through the forest, letting my feet sink into the soft earth beneath you. You notice the intricate patterns of ferns and wildflowers that line the forest floor, each one a marvel of nature’s design. The gentle breeze brushes against your skin carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and damp earth.

You come across a babbling brook, its crystal-clear waters shimmering in the sunlight. You dip your hands into the cool water, feeling its refreshing touch on your skin. The sound of the water flowing over rocks is a soothing lullaby that calms your mind and spirit.

As you continue your walk, you come across a grave of ancient oak trees. Their massive trunks tower above you, their branches reaching out like protective arms. You place your hand on the rough bark of one of the trees, feeling its strength and resilience. You are reminded of the wisdom and grounding energy of these ancient beings, and you are filled with a sense of peace and contentment.

As the sun begins to set, casting a warm golden light over the forest, you find a quiet spot to sit and watch the colours of the sky change. The chorus of birdsong fills the air, a symphony of nature’s beauty and harmony. In this moment, I feel empletely at one with the forest, connected to something greater than yourself.

As you make your way back to the entrance of The Resting Place, you feel rejuvenated and refreshed, as if you have been cleansed and renewed by the healing powers of the forest. You are grateful for the sacred space and the restorative energy it has provided you.

In a world filled with constant noise and distraction, The Resting Place offers a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. It is a reminder of the healing powers of nature and the importance of connecting with the natural world. You leave the forest feeling more centered and grounded, ready to face the challenges of life with a renewed sense of strength and resilience.

The Resting Place is more than just a forest - it is a place of healing, renewal and connection. It is a reminder that in the midst of chaos and turmoil there is always a place of refuge and peace to be found in the arms of nature. You are grateful for the restorative energy of The Resting Place and the lessons it has taught you about the importance of slowing down, breathing deeply, and embracing the beauty and healing power of the natural world.

Ronneth

13 March 2025