England: Natalie Elliott (Forest Bathing)
Program: UW Global Launch in London
This past week, I went forest bathing in Richmond Park. It was the second time I had been there, the first being when my Weird Victorian professor took us to Richmond to look at Kew Gardens and the cemeteries there.
On a crisp Tuesday afternoon, I bundled up in my winter coat and my white scarf, and rode the District Line all the way to Richmond. I walked all the way up the hill, past the river and through the cute and cozy town, and found myself at Richmond Park Gate. It was frigid, and there was a crisp breeze whipping my hair around as I started on the sidewalk alongside the big road.
The majority of the leaves on the trees had fallen and lodged themselves in my path and on the grass, and I could consistently hear them crunching beneath my boots. The wind whistled in my red ears, and the sound of clopping hooves caught my attention at the crossroads a little ways into the park. I expected to see the infamous herd of deer, but instead I saw riders on horses ambling peacefully along the road. I’ve always loved and admired horses, and seeing them up close in the park really helped me ground myself and be present. I used to ride horses for sport when I was younger, and it was almost like taking a trip down memory lane.
Once they passed by, I switched over from walking on the cement path to wandering over the brittle grass. The park was sectioned off intermittently, sometimes consisting of open forests and sometimes stretches of vast green. I thoroughly enjoyed both sections, and they felt like two whole different worlds. Walking around, I nearly felt lost in nature. I eventually settled sitting against a tree in a small clearing in the middle of a forest-type part of the park, and sat with contentment as I reflected. However, I was interrupted by an adorable and curious dog, with big brown eyes and a short, dark red coat. He slobbered all over me and his damp nose was warm, and the way that he buried his face in my jacket reminded me of my dog at home, Nelson. After a few seconds of cuddles, it occurred to me that his owner would probably be looking for him, and sure enough an older man wearing a blue hat scrambled over.
I assured him that I was more than happy to give his dog some love, and he smiled and they passed on. By now, I had completely forgotten that I was even in London at all, and instead I found myself pretending I was in the countryside. It allowed me for a moment to process the last three months I’ve spent living in London, and step outside of them, almost like I was the reader of a book. That kind of peace is difficult to find living in such a bustling city, and I have no doubt I will return to Richmond Park many times before the end of the year.
I’ve always found comfort in animals and nature, and this instance was no different. Being away from some of the constants in my life, (my dog, my hobbies), this little slice of heaven was able to bring them back for a moment.
Natalie Elliot
Program Name: UW Global Launch in London
Major: English
Hometown: Lake Forest, Illinois