The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.
John Muir
In May 2025, I briefly mentioned the Japanese expression shinrin-yoku in a post about national forests. Shinrin-yoku is a concept that was developed in Japan in the 1980s as a form of natural therapy and stress relief. In English, it is translated as “forest bathing” or immersing oneself in a forest atmosphere. It is a way to allow all your senses to experience nature mindfully.
There is a quiet spirit in these woods, that dwells where’er the gentle southwind blows.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Stanford Lifestyle Medicine newsletter and New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation have articles supporting the idea that spending time in forests can reduce stress hormones, such as cortisol, lower blood pressure, boost immune function, and improve overall mental well-being. Research has shown that trees release organic compounds called phytoncides, which may have beneficial effects when inhaled.
So, this week’s challenge is about how you do forest bathing in your corner of the world. Let’s go into the woods. There are several ways to experience nature mindfully. Here are some examples.
Maybe you don’t need to do more healing work.
Maybe you just need to sit under a tree.
Sheleana Aivana
Whether you walk, hike, or admire the vast landscapes, you can let the views envelop you. Take time to look around, look up, and look down mindfully.
In a forest of a hundred thousand trees, no two leaves are alike.
And no two journeys along the same path are alike.
Paulo Coelho
Fernando Pessoa
In forest bathing, you are never in a hurry. You prolong quiet times. You look for moments of calm in the woods. Nature conspires for your happiness and well-being.
You can see beyond what your eyes perceive with ICM photography in the woods.
You can even enjoy forest bathing in an urban area.
Do you practice any form of forest bathing? What examples of forest bathing would you like to share?
Last week, our guest host, Stupidity Hole, asked us to share quiet hours. You gave us quiet times with your beautiful galleries. I hope you will join us again this week in forest bathing. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader.
Next week, Tina is back with another challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you might also be interested in others featuring Abstracts, Colorado, Lake Bastrop South Shore, Landscapes, Lens-Artists, Parks, and Texas. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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Sue
Finally, got my post together and here it is:https://suejudd.com/2025/07/26/lens-artists-challenge-357-into-the-woods/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, Sue.
Yanaj *
Fantastic pictures and beautiful words that together radiate peace and quiet, Egídio! Thank you for another inspiring challenge. – Here comes my quite late contribution. As I didn’t explicitly mention ‘forest bathing’ I would like to add that for me any kind of natural environment has a similar soothing and cleansing effect for body, mind and soul.
https://beingamazedcom.wordpress.com/2025/07/26/%f0%9f%93%b8lens-artists-challenge-357-into-the-tropical-woods/
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much, Yanaj. Your feedback is much appreciated. I agree with you about a natural environment, too.
📸Lens-Artists Challenge #357: Into the Tropical Woods – BEING AMAZED: Observations of a Female World Traveler
Pingback: […] indulging in the wonderful pictures of marvelous forests other participants of Egídio’s beautiful challenge posted, I realized that I had to improvise once again. The reason is that I […]
Lens-Artists Challenge #357: Into The Woods – Moderate Living
Pingback: […] at throughbrazilianeyes.com tasks participating photographers to reflect on how they engage with the beautiful trees and forest […]
Pepper
Your images are gorgeous. Here is my post for this week. https://heavenssunshine.com/what-lays-ahead/
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Pepper.
What Lays Ahead - Heaven's Sunshine
Pingback: […] Posted for Lens-Artists Challenge: Into the Woods […]
Stupidity Hole
Those tree shots are wonderful. Just wonderful.
Which ones? Why, all of them of course!
Here’s mine. Had to do some digging for it:
https://stupidityhole.com/2025/07/25/cloud-capped/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for your response and link.
norasphotos4u
Here’s mine for the week
https://norasphotos4u.wordpress.com/2025/07/24/lens-artists-into-the-woods/
Egidio Leitao
Thank you.
Lens Artists – Into the Woods – norasphotos4u
Pingback: […] and biking – but these 2 are my favorites; very different but both very beautiful. Thanks Egidio for a great […]
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: The Seasons of the Poplar Forest | The Day After
Pingback: […] Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Into the Woods […]
Terri Webster Schrandt
I’m happy to share some seasonal forests with you today, Egidio! I’m a mountain woman and love being surrounded by pines and other trees! Here is mine:
https://secondwindleisure.com/2025/07/23/wordless-wednesday-forests-for-every-season/
Egidio Leitao
Terri, what a surprise. I am happy you found time to join the challenge. Thanks.
Terri Webster Schrandt
If the L-A theme doesn’t work with Sunday Stills, then I craft a post for Wordless Wednesday. Thrilled it also worked for Becky’s simply red challenge too! Thank you for hosting with such a beautiful prompt!
Egidio Leitao
Of course it works just fine, Terry. Your post is great! I left my comment on your post. Thanks.
Michael Williams
That Aspen Dreams shot is just perfect Egidio! You really have an eye for those landscape shots. Mike
Egidio Leitao
Mike, many thanks for your observations. I appreciate them.
Michael Williams
have a great friday Egidio!
https://michaeljosephwilliams646.wordpress.com/2025/07/25/lens-artists-challenge-357-into-the-woods/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Mike. I appreciate the link, too.
Lens-Artists Challenge #357: Into the Woods – /ˈsnæp.ʃɒt/
Pingback: […] the turn of Egídio of Through Brazilian Eyes to host the Challenge, and his theme is ‘Into The Woods‘. He says, ‘I briefly mentioned the Japanese expression shinrin-yoku in a post about […]
Pamela Zmija ~ Artist & Intuitive
Your photos are absolutely breathtaking! What a delight to view them, thank you for sharing and for this challenge. I love how inspired I feel when I read the challenge, I instantly had a spark of which images to share. Here is my post for this week: https://yourlifeasartphotography.com/2025/07/22/lens-artists-challenge-357-into-the-woods/
Egidio Leitao
Pamela, you are so kind. Your words and compliment are appreciated. I’m happy that the post and photos inspired you to contribute.
solaner
Very good, Egídio
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, André.
Into My Neck of the Woods – Nes Felicio Photography
Pingback: […] week’s Lens-Artists challenge is to ‘go into the woods’ for some forest bathing. Egidio’s lead post shows beautiful examples and I’m glad that it has a detailed explanation for us to appreciate […]
Teresa
Awesome photos! Here is mine https://wanderingteresa.com/into-the-dandenongs/
Egídio
Thanks for the feedback and link, Teresa. Much appreciated!
Into the Dandenongs – Wandering Teresa
Pingback: […] from past walks for this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, hosted by Egidio, with the theme Into the Woods. Grateful for every step I can still […]
eklastic
Wonderful forest pictures. I love the abstract one and the aspen dreams best. Forests are wonderful places. — I cheated a bit, I guess, not going INTO the woods but staying above them: https://picturesimperfectblog.com/2025/07/21/wildline-above-the-black-forest/
Egidio Leitao
Elke, thanks for the feedback. I’m glad you liked those photos. Thanks also for your link.
eklastic
My pleasure, as always, Egido.
I. J. Khanewala
Lovely photos for a wonderful challenge. I like the trees and forests you have gathered in this week’s collection.
Here’s my entry: https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2025/07/21/in-the-forests-of-east-bhutan/
Egidio Leitao
I.J., many thanks for your encouraging and supportive feedback. Also, thanks for joining in.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
A great post in these times, we all need stress relief from the news these days. your images are so beautiful. Here is mine https://sillarit.com/2025/07/21/lens-artists-challenge-357-into-the-woods/
Egidio Leitao
Ritva, yes, these times beg for more forest bathing. Thanks for your remarks and link.
Toonsarah
A wonderful choice of theme Egidio! Who hasn’t felt the power of trees and woodlands to inspire and heal? I love your images, especially the aspens as we don’t see them in the UK and to me they are the iconic American treescape. I even have some in my own response: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/gallery-going-to-the-woods/
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, thank you for your appreciative feedback. I’m glad we share similar views. I look forward to checking your response.
In the forests of East Bhutan – Don't hold your breath
Pingback: […] by their calls even when I walk down the street to buy groceries. Still, it was nice to spend time walking in the forests of eastern Bhutan. How else could you be surprised by a little chorten under […]
klara
gorgeous post and wonderful examples.
https://lessywannagohome.blogspot.com/2025/07/i-wood-not-miss-this-for-world.html
Egidio Leitao
I’m very glad you liked the post and challenge. Thanks for joining in and for your feedback.
Terri Webster Schrandt
I LOVE everything about this post, Egidio! If eagles are my spirit guide then trees must be my Earth sign. Forest bathing is soul-soothing and this is a great time of year to get lost in the woods.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for this wonderful feedback, Terri.
Wandering beneath the giants: LAPC & ST - bend branches
Pingback: […] Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Into the Woods […]
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Beautiful images and fabulous forests Egídio! Our contribution for this week’s lovely challenge is here: https://tranature.com/2025/07/20/haiku-caledonian-pine/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for your feedback, Xenia. I just looked at your post, too. What a beauty!
Lens-Artists Challenge #357 – Into the Woods – LEANNE COLE
Pingback: […] that explanation I guess I should say that Egidio from Through Brazilian Eyes is our host this week and this is what he wants us to look at, so Into […]
Iain Gilmour
Beautifully observed! The interplay of light and shadow really draws the viewer into the woodland atmosphere.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback. I appreciated that.
Hazel
I always enjoy forest bathing. It soothes my soul. I love your images, Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
Hazel
My pleasure, Egidio. Have a blessed week ahead!
Egidio Leitao
Much gratitude and a great week for you, too, Hazel.
tgeriatrix
https://geriatrixfotogallerie.wordpress.com/2025/07/20/our-forest-3/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the link.
Our forest – Geriatri'x' Fotogallery
Pingback: […] LensArtists Photo Challenge: Into the woods […]
philosophy through photography
Many thanks, Egidio, for sharing such a calming and thoughtful theme.
The reflections on forest bathing, the poetic quotes, and the gentle emphasis on mindful presence in nature all brought a deep sense of stillness.
The images, quiet and soothing, beautifully echoed the peace that lives within the woods — a truly grounding reminder that the forest often knows what the soul forgets.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Philo, for such a profound feedback. I like your closing statement a lot.
philosophy through photography
You are welcome, Egidio.
restlessjo
Wonderful landscapes, Egidio, and I love the Paulo Coelho quote xx
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Jo. Coelho’s quote is indeed wonderful.
Travtrails
Beautiful peaceful images. Love the first one.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks kindly for your compliment, Indra. That park in the first photo is so beautiful with its loblolly pines.
norasphotos4u
Beautiful gallery!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much, Nora.
Vicki
What a great challenge for this week, Egidio.
I love your examples, especially the one linked to urban areas.
Initially, I thought, we don’t have ‘woods’ here in Australia, we have ‘forests.’ I thought I didn’t have any images, but looking at several blogger’s posts jogged my memory and I do have some images.
Egidio Leitao
Vicki, thanks for this support. I’m glad you like the challenge. It is your take on forest bathing that matters. It doesn’t have to be a forest or woods in the strict sense of the word. I’m glad you’ll share your views.
Leanne Cole
Great idea for a challenge Egidio, very relaxing. You have shown us some great examples, not sure I will have anything as beautiful.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the feedback, Leanne. I’m sure your forest bathing will be great. Your photos always are.
Marianne
This was really fun — looking at your gallery. I also really liked the quotes!
https://anthropologist.wordpress.com/2025/07/19/lens-artists-challenge-357-into-the-woods/
Egidio Leitao
Marianne, I’m glad you enjoyed the gallery and felt like contributing to the challenge. I’ll leave my notes in you post. Thank you.
marina
I love the expression “forest bathing”. Your images are fantastic.
Here is mine: https://inprimopianophoto.wordpress.com/2025/07/19/forest-bathing/
Egidio Leitao
Marina, grazie mille! I’m happy you liked the concept and post. I’ll write in your post.
forest bathing – IN PRIMO PIANO – a photo blog
Pingback: […] Linked to Lens-Artists […]
Amy
Some stunning photos of trees!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Amy. I’m happy that you liked them.
Lens-Artists Challenge #357: Into the Woods – Marianne Villanueva
Pingback: […] The host of this lens-artists challenge is Egidio/Through Brazilian Eyes. Scrolling through his gallery, I see that a quote accompanies each picture. There are many wonderful quotes, but my favorites are by Paulo Coelho and Fernando Passoa. Check them out here. […]
PR
Thanks for this challenge Egidio! It reminded me that I haven’t been to one at all this year Gorgeous shots. My entry here:
https://flightsofthesoul.wordpress.com/2025/07/19/lens-artists-357-into-the-woods/
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for your kind words, PR. I’ll write my comments in your post.
Lens-Artists #357 – Into the Woods – Flights of the Soul
Pingback: […] For the Lens Artists Challenge by Egidio. […]
thesimlux
Lovely images! I feel relaxed as if I were there. Virtual forest bathing! 🌲
Egidio Leitao
Well, that’s so wonderful to read. I’m glad the photos took you into forest bathing. Thanks for the compliment.
Wind Kisses
Wow! I feel every step of this post with you, and can completely appreciate the mindfulness of being in nature.
I love bare feet. There is something about connecting to nature for sure. We all need that grounding.
Impressive photos, Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Donna, what a wonderful thing it is to see Wind Kisses show up in my challenge. Thank you for writing and the idea of connecting bare feet. Hope you’re doing well.
Tina Schell
Such a beautiful and thought challenge post Egidio – loved your subject and its presentation. Must admit I hadn’t heard of forest bathing but count me in! Extraordinary images this week from start to finish, along with wonderful thoughts and quotes. Truly loved this one.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so very much, Tina. I’m glad you liked the post and quotes. Much gratitude.
Lens-Artists Challenge #357 – Into the Woods | Travels and Trifles
Pingback: […] join us to share your own thoughts and images. Please be sure to link them to Egidio’s post here, and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. Thanks also to SH for guest hosting last […]
Joanne
Egidio, this is a wonderful post! I love the idea of shinrin-yoku. Thank you so much. And your images in this post are all great. I did mine right away. Here it is: https://joannemasonphotography.com/lens-artists-challenge-357-into-the-woods/.
Egidio Leitao
Joanne, thanks so much for your kind words. I’m happy you liked the theme. I’ll comment on your post now.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Faccio spesso forest bathing, anzi, sempre, poiché vivo in una casa in mezzo al bosco. Mi piacciono le citazioni che hai proposto.
Egidio Leitao
Tu sei fortunata a vivere in mezzo a una foresta! Grazie.
Wandering Dawgs
Egidio, I love the idea of forest bathing. I would love to take my time to just breathe in any of these beautiful forests.
Egidio Leitao
Beth, I hope we will get plenty of those moments this week. Thanks.
margaret21
We don’t do forest here, but we do woodland, which offers the same kind of benefits as the lovely spots showcased in your post. Great idea for a challenge!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Margaret. Your woodlands have the same benefits as forests.
Sofia Alves
One of my favourite activities, Egídio, and your photos show that although the feeling can be almost the same, no forest is alike. I love your collection for this week, it inspired me to go back to the forests as soon as I can.
Here is mine:
https://photographias.wordpress.com/2025/07/19/lens-artists-challenge-into-the-woods/
Egidio Leitao
Sofia, I’m glad you spend time in nature. Thanks for the comments and link.
Lens Artists Challenge #357 - Into the Woods - Joanne Mason Photography
Pingback: […] Egidio posts this week’s challenge: “Into the Woods.” He reminds us of his earlier post mentioning the Japanese expression shinrin-yoku. “Shinrin-yoku is a concept that was developed in Japan in the 1980s as a form of natural therapy and stress relief. In English, it is translated as “forest bathing” or immersing oneself in a forest atmosphere.” Shinrin-yoku sounds like an activity I would very much enjoy. Here are a few of my photographs celebrating the pleasure of shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing.” […]
Lens-Artists Challenge – Into the Woods – photographias
Pingback: […] Posted for Egídio’s Lens-Artists Challenge […]
Writing to Freedom
Great challenge, beautiful photos, and good reminders to soak up nature’s goodness.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, Brad. We need to spend more time in nature.
Writing to Freedom
Yes!
Dawn M. Miller
These are incredible!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Dawn. I’m glad you liked them.
Dawn M. Miller
Loved them. I had a hard time commenting though. I had to do it through the reader.
Egidio Leitao
I’m sorry WP acted up. I wonder if others are experiencing the same problem. Thanks for letting me know and for using the Reader.
LENS-ARTISTS CHALLENGE #357 – Forest Bathing – John's Space …..
Pingback: […] (Egidio leads.) […]
sandyjwhite
Especially love those aspen!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Sandy. Fall aspens are wonderful.
sandyjwhite
Agreed!
photobyjohnbo
Wonderful forest landscapes, Egidio! My fave is the lake with the forest background, but that road less traveled speaks to my wandering spirit.
Egidio Leitao
John, that photo/edit turned out to be nice. Thanks for the validation and comments.
Sue
Lovely forest images, Egidio
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million, Sue. Glad you liked them.
Perfect place for 24/7 quiet hours | mazeepuran (माझे e-पुराण)
Pingback: […] An update – Just saw Egidio’s theme for this week’s Lens-artists challenge – Into the woods […]
Rupali
Hurrah I see your post in Reader, Egidio.
Fantastic theme and your images are amazing. Hope you don’t mind if I link my post ( posted an hour ago) to this challenge.
Egidio Leitao
Rupali, WP is on our side. Let’s hope it stays that way. Thanks for the compliments. Of course, it’s ok to link your post. I’d love to see it.
JohnRH
WOW. Great theme Egidio. Well thought and beautifully photographed. Outstanding!
JohnRH
Mine: https://fairplay740.wordpress.com/2025/07/19/lens-artists-challenge-357-forest-bathing/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, John. I’ll comment there.
Egidio Leitao
John, I’m happy you like the theme. Thank you.
Anne Sandler
Egidio, how did you know the forest is my special place. Your pictures are wonderful and brought back wonderful memories. I will enjoy my own wooded walk through my archives. See you soon!
Egidio Leitao
Anne, I knew you had excellent taste! I’m glad the challenge resonated with you and others. Thank you.