England: Logan Hanson (Forest Bathing)

Forest Bathing

A night’s brisk air pierces the skin, burrowing through my many layers of protection— a forewarning of the months ahead. My hands dig themselves further into coat pockets in search of any residual heat. Even breaths bring a twinge of discomfort. Yet, as I walk along on the pavement, I find myself unwinding in the presence of nature. Even in the fading light, Wimbledon Park is quite a pleasing landscape. The lawns are well-kept and clear of autumn foliage. Indeed, the kempt trees are beginning to blush. In the quiet hours of the evening, the pond at the center mirrors the darkening heavens, revealing the lone stars above.

At home, in Kensington, I am scarcely able to spot a star in the night sky; even Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park fail to hold a candlelight to what I am used to in rural Wisconsin. Just to trace out one or two constellations while in a London park is exceptionally therapeutic. The wind’s whispers speak softly in my ears, passing on to any tree, bush, or shrub that will listen. From time to time, when annoyed by the peace and quiet, a waterfowl causes a row. Other birds only dare to break the silence with a brief word to a loved one. My feet, afraid of disturbing the scene, move with trepidation.

Eventually, I find myself on a bench. The perpetual dusk of the London skyline is tempered by the brilliance of the night. The clear sky allows the waning moon to cast its silver light on the scenery. The autumn chill is welcomed as a warming memory. The silent night invites my thoughts to wander through and pass over whatever they desire. Only disturbed by sudden geese or a fox’s brief appearance and subsequent disappearance, I am unperturbed. An evening at Wimbledon Park, a thoroughly therapeutic experience.

Logan Hanson

Major: Physics

Hometown: Wittenberg, Wisconsin