Hear how tree breathing is done – to use the forest’s free means of relaxation, you first need the tree’s permission

/ Nature

Wood breathing really only requires that you go to the forest, find a tree that suits you and ask for permission to breathe.

Ilona Mäki, wood breathing instructor, Kajaani. Photographed on September 27, 2022
Wood breathing instructor Ilona Mäki knows the tips for starting wood breathing.

Wood breathing is one of the many ways to relax in nature.

In practice, we ask the tree for permission to breathe together, after which we sit against the tree, close our eyes and start breathing from the roots all the way up to the heavens and from there back to the roots.

– Or, when asked, we agree. The tree gives peace and you breathe together with the tree, so it’s like cooperating with that tree.

Ilona Mäki, wood breathing instructor, Kajaani. Photographed on September 27, 2022
In tree breathing, a person, after asking permission from the tree, breathes together with the tree.

Mäki emphasizes that wood breathing is just one of the many ways in which you can derive well-being from the forest, both mentally and materially.

Even if you are not necessarily familiar with the forest or it has been a while since your last trip, getting started is easy.