February 7: Forest Bathing, Walking Meditation
Creation enables us to connect to the moment of the now, to open ourselves to its Maker, to be cuddled by God. Sister Laureen Marie Painter
Gregg’s Reflection
Not all meditation happens in a quiet room. One of my daily practices is walking meditation—sometimes called forest bathing. Being in nature slows my pace, quiets my mind, and awakens my senses to God’s presence. When I walk slowly, I begin to notice the subtle movements around me—the sway of grass, the shifting light through the trees, a bird in flight.
Time spent in the beauty of creation is a timeless path to awe and wonder. And awe always roots me in the present moment. You cannot experience awe while dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. God is always present in the present moment.
In a world that pushes us to hurry, the slow pace of forest walking is a gentle act of resistance. It reminds me that God’s kingdom is not built on speed, but on stillness, attentiveness, and love.
Scripture
Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.
Psalm 119:97
We must give God our rapt and undivided attention before we can catch a glimpse of his Kingdom through the veil of earthly time. But if we can learn to sit still in a room-or on a stump-and wrest our attention from the thousand chattering voices without and within, we will find ourselves gradually living more of our lives in that Kingdom.
RENOVARE Bible notes on Revelation NT p. 485
Ancient Quotes
Creation is a beautiful book… God has given us this book so that we might delight in it.
Augustine of Hippo, Sermon 68
Modern Quotes
The invitation is simple: Walk slowly [or sit still], while silently noticing what is in motion in the forest… Just as with sitting meditation the breath is always there and available for watching, in the forest there are always things in motion. Your mind will drift… When it does, gently bring your attention back to noticing what’s in motion.
Amos Clifford, Your Guide to Forest Bathing (quoted in Richard Rohr, CAC Daily Meditation, April 18, 2020)
Creation enables us to connect to the moment of the now, to open ourselves to its Maker, to be cuddled by God.
Sister Laureen Marie Painter, OSF
Journaling Prompts
- When was the last time you met God in nature?
- How does slowing down outdoors affect your spirit?
- Where could you walk this week simply to be present to God’s creation?
- How often do you experience awe?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 6 Reflection: Contemplative Life & Practice