A lush forest road

Guest Blog Post: “Walking in the Forest is Good for My Soul,” in Denzil Walton’s exact words

Posted on by da-AL

When I (da-AL) happened upon Belgian blogger Denzil’s lovely site, I could hardly believe it — I was the first to comment there! Yes, it is new, but it so beautifully filled with joy and heart that I doubt it will remain a secret for long …

A lush forest road
Photo by Denzil Walton

I know that walking in my local forest is good for my body. It’s good for my heart – it gets the blood flowing. It’s good for my lungs – it gets the air circulating. It’s good for my muscles – it tones them up.

But good for the soul?

Surely, to refresh my spirit I should head towards my local church or cathedral, not to my local forest?

autumn view of tree lined lake
Photo by Denzil Walton

Don’t get me wrong: if you like to visit a magnificent cathedral to get a spiritual lift, that’s fine. You might be enthralled by the architecture and the stained glass windows. You might be impressed by the flower arrangements. You might marvel at the beautiful sounds of a choir. All of these things might lift your soul and help you see the glory and wonder of the divine – whatever name you give it.

However, for myself, my cathedral is my local forest, with the enormous trunks of ancient beech and oak trees rising up and over my head. With its canopy of green leaves forming the roof. Instead of stained glass windows, I see the delicately painted wings of butterflies and dragonflies. Instead of bouquets and vases of cultivated flowers, I see wild celandines, wood anemones and foxgloves. My choir consists of the sweet warbling of the blackcap, the drumming of a black woodpecker, the bark of the roe deer.

gorgeous forest view from park bench
Photo by Denzil Walton

And just as you might enter a cathedral and experience a touch of heaven, I walk in a forest and experience the wonder of creation. And it lifts my spirits.

I’m not one for New Year’s Resolutions. Actually, if you read one of my blog posts, I even recommend postponing them to Spring!

But if you are into resolutions, here’s one you might like to consider.

Resolve to visit your local forest regularly throughout the year – maybe once a week or month. Experience its peace and beauty. Take time to stop and look at the wild flowers. Listen to the birds.

I am sure you will come out with a refreshed and rejuvenated spirit.

Denzil Walton blogs on walking and cycling in Belgium at Discovering Belgium. His new blog is called Life Sentences, which he describes as “random, positive and life-affirming musings on various topics and experiences.”

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Published by da-AL

Happiness Between Tails speaks to and from the heart. It connects lovers — of pets, authors, books — and of my still-unreleased novels, “Flamenco + the Sitting Cat” and “Tango + the Sitting Cat.” The stories are my love letters to all who fear they're too odd, too damaged, too old, too whatever to find happiness. ContactdaAL@gmail.com • BuyMeACoffee.com/SupportHBT

68 thoughts on “Guest Blog Post: “Walking in the Forest is Good for My Soul,” in Denzil Walton’s exact words”

  2. I am thankful that you shared such a beautiful Article Daal. I love forests and nature, it’s fun to read this post, I am off to Danzil’s blog for more 🙂 Did I say, I really love Belgium? ehhe it would be fun. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Hi, Daal 🙂 It’s so generous of you to share this wonderful post…now, I have two new fantastic blogs to follow–and all because you were kind enough to stop by my blog, introduce yourself, and leave me a complimentary–and much appreciated–comment. I look forward to our new connection and will visit Denzil’s blog right away 🙂
    P.S. I loved your “About” and wanted to leave a comment, but I couldn’t find the spot. I am in awe that you’ve written 2 novels already, I love your dogs, found your bio so interesting, and I really enjoy your writing style…highly engaging and infused with warmth and invitation. 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

  4. What a neat thing for you to do, Daal, to expose a new blogger to the blogging world. This must bode a good year for you.

    As for Denzil’s post – lovely thoughts and photos. His rendering of the forest evokes a peaceful and inspiring sanctuary.

    Liked by 5 people

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