England: Jonas Tangen (Forest Bathing)

Program: UW Global Launch in London, Academic Year

For my first written reflection of the program, I chose to do shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, in Soho Square Gardens. I arrived in the early afternoon and sat down with my back against a large oak tree in the corner of the park. It was a nice, sunny day, and the park seemed moderately active as children chased pigeons around the nearby lawn. As I rested against the old oak, I felt the warm bark against my back and smelled the freshly cut grass at my feet; the sunlight refracted into my eyes, and I felt at peace with the world.

• Sight: Dozens of pigeons scattered around the field and atop the small building in the middle of the park. On the far side of the grass, families sit on blankets and play field games. Outside the garden’s gates, people meander through their workday carrying all sorts of bags and boxes.
• Smell: The smell of warm air and nature creates a complex, calming aroma.
• Feel: A warm breeze flutters through my hair, and the sturdy tree behind me sways. The ground feels soft.
• Sound: I primarily hear the sounds of birds chirping, children playing, and the wind scatting leaves across the pavement. The occasional horn breaks through the relative peace of the gardens, reminding me of the sprawling metropolis beyond the park’s gate.
• Taste: My time in the park left me yearning for one of London’s iconic delicacies: the Tesco Meal Deal. Before taking the Tube home, I picked up triple cheese sandwiches, a pretzel, and apple juice for only £3.85. What a deal!

Shinrin-yoku in Soho was a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect amid the ever-present busyness of life. I look forward to spending more time thinking in London’s parks as the year goes on.