Where Green Hugs Feed the Spirit

Finding peace in a tree bathing ritual in El Encanto’s sensorial gardens

By Danaë Petsimeris

Santa Barbara has grown on me. When I first moved here from Paris, I was easily dismissive of unfamiliar trends. Lavender in coffee, sparkling water in every imaginable flavor, and the “get in touch with your inner self” approach to yoga were all things I thought best left to the locals. As my year in Santa Barbara now draws to a close, I find that I’m going to miss these very things and the ways in which they have become part of my daily life here. While I have to admit that some of my French reserve remains, I am happy that I can reflect on how I’ve become more open to new experiences.

And that’s how it was when I first heard of tree bathing; an activity I immediately classified under “hippie Santa Barbara things.” Although I resisted the urge to Google the term, I did ask around, curious to find out if any of my friends knew more about it, and no one did.

Photo by Jared Fix

After a Mediterranean-inspired lunch at El Encanto, the tree bathing ritual began. It took place in the five-star hotel’s seven acre garden, in a circle where sheepskin rugs were laid out for each participant. The experience started with a short introduction to the practice. To my relief, we were all first timers. Also called forest bathing and known as ‘shirin yoky’ in Japanese, this practice began in the 1980s in Japan. It invites people to immerse themselves in nature, to slow down and reconnect with the natural world.

The ritual was divided into three parts and was led by Giuliana Motin with Palma Colectiva. First, we wandered alone through the garden, in search of a being that captured our attention. We observed nature in silence until Giuliana called us back to the circle with a bird sound. I was afraid I wouldn’t hear it, but it worked well. Like Orpheus’s lyre, the sound drew us all back. We then shared what we had noticed, and what these beings conveyed to us. Many of us  had been drawn to a bumblebee, which seemed to be following our path. It was refreshing to reflect on describing our surroundings, to feel calm, and to share our perceptions and emotions.

Next, we were invited to find a place in the garden to sit in silence and welcome whatever thoughts or sensations came. As a novice at meditation, this was not easy for me. I had to let go, observe, and not plan. I noticed small things I usually overlook, such as the feeling of the ocean breeze contrasted by the sun’s beat or the different thoughts that dance around my mind when I’m learning how to be present. What started as the most uncomfortable part ended up being the most calming. I now want to leave my headphones behind more often, and listen to what nature is saying.

For the final part, we had to find a tree—not one we chose, but one that chose us. Not surprisingly, as someone who loves olive oil and considering my Mediterranean roots, I was drawn to the olive tree at the edge of the garden, and I like to believe that it called me. I touched the trunk, noticed the green and silver in the leaves, and, to my own surprise, even hugged it, which felt really good.

We closed the circle by sipping herbal tea from wooden cups. This activity taught me how to be vulnerable in front of strangers, how to welcome others’ experiences, and how to feel safe in a space without judgment. I laughed at myself for hesitating. I’ll now be more attentive to my surroundings and to the conversations nature is always having with itself. Green hugs truly nourish the spirit. 

Guests of El Encanto can enjoy self-guided tree bathing or book a guide at The Spa.