The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Forest bathing is like going back to your roots because nature is you and you are nature. That where you come from and that’s where you will return. To talk of it as a novelty shows how far we have distanced ourselves from our roots (“‘Forest bathing’ walks encourage deep connection to nature,” Dec.4, Gulf Today).

Some people mentioned about feeling awkward and out of place among the trees. I read that as bizarre. And then on second thoughts I feel sorry for them. If concrete and air conditioned offices have replaced your connection with nature, a major part of the essence of living is lost.

There is nothing ever negative about trees and nature as is with man made things, however beautiful they are. And because nature and trees are silent providers we have forgotten them and taken them for granted. For those who feel awkward in this connect with nature, they should understand what life would be without oxygen or whether there would be life at all. Then all the awkwardness would disappear and one would run to hug a tree.

Joyce D
By email