Playfulness and Laughter Therapy: The Healing Power of Lightness
July 2, 2025
In a world increasingly dominated by technology and speed, the desire to reconnect authentically with nature is growing stronger. Forest Therapy, also known as tree therapy or sylvotherapy, responds to this deep human need. It’s not just a walk in the fresh air, but a transformative encounter with the energy of trees, capable of restoring balance, serenity, and mind-body wellness.
How does it work?
Forest therapy is not simply walking in nature. It’s a deep, meditative, and sensory experience. You enter the forest with intention, leaving behind your phone, thoughts, and distractions. You walk slowly, breathe deeply, listen to the natural sounds, and observe the details: the leaves, the light, the textures.
One of the most well-known practices is tree hugging. This simple yet powerful gesture allows for direct contact with the tree’s energy. Each species has different energetic properties: oak offers strength and stability, pine purifies, linden calms the heart, chestnut helps with release.
Sitting quietly by a tree, leaning your back against the trunk, or walking barefoot on forest soil are also deeply beneficial practices.
The Benefits of Forest Therapy
Numerous scientific studies have shown that regular forest therapy brings real and measurable benefits to health:
Stress reduction: contact with nature lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
Mood improvement: it increases serotonin and dopamine levels, creating a sense of well-being and lightness.
Immune system boost: phytoncides released by trees stimulate the body’s natural defenses.
Cardiovascular benefits: blood pressure stabilizes and heart rate slows.
Spiritual reconnection: being among trees helps reconnect with oneself, stimulates intuition, and expands awareness.
A Meeting Between Soul and Nature
Beyond physical and psychological benefits, forest therapy is above all a deep encounter between the human soul and nature’s wisdom. Trees teach us patience, resilience, grounding. Every forest is a sacred space where we can listen to ourselves without judgment, let go of what no longer serves us, and rediscover our authenticity.
Many people who engage in forest therapy report feeling “called” by a specific tree, experiencing intense emotions or deep insights during those moments of connection.
Who Is It For?
Forest therapy is for everyone. It is especially helpful for those who:
are going through periods of stress, fatigue, or anxiety;
need to center themselves and gain clarity;
are on a path of personal or spiritual growth;
seek a natural and gentle way to restore well-being.
No special skills are required—only a willingness to slow down, observe, and listen.
How to Start?
You can practice forest therapy on your own or join guided sessions for a deeper and more mindful experience. The most important thing is to choose a natural space that inspires calm and safety, where you can immerse yourself without hurry.
Bring only what you need: water, a mat or blanket to sit on, and comfortable clothes. Leave expectations behind: the forest knows what to offer you—if you approach it with respect.
Forest therapy is not a miracle cure, but rather a gentle, profound journey toward balance and reconnection. In a world that constantly pulls us outward, the trees invite us to return inward, to breathe, to root ourselves.
And perhaps there—amid the stillness of the forest and the heartbeat of a tree—we might rediscover who we truly are.
Και ίσως, εκεί —μέσα στη σιωπή ενός δάσους και τον παλμό ενός δέντρου— να ξαναβρούμε ποιοι είμαστε πραγματικά.
Would you like to experience Forest Therapy?
If you feel called to connect with nature in a deeper way, you are welcome to contact Vittoria Tosoni to organize individual or group Forest Therapy sessions.
Get in touch via the website www.vittoriatosoni.com or by email at [email protected] for more information and availability.
