I find language and the evolution of different words and phrases fascinating. Of course the changing use of some words may not always seem like a good thing, for example, it still irks me that ‘literally’ has been misused so many times that apparently it is now interchangeable with figuratively. Also now that ‘awesome’ is used to describe anything positive, what can you say when you are actually awe-struck? I’d like to suggest this as our chance to bring back agog.
However sometimes this evolution of language means the development of a word or phrase which helps you to articulate something you hadn’t previously been able to explain. The other day I had one of these ‘a-ha’ moments when I stumbled across a new meaning of the word glimmer. Essentially this is the opposite of a trigger, so while a trigger is a catalyst for negative emotions a glimmer is something that sparks positive feelings. Presumably the term comes from a glimmer of hope and has been broadened out to include anything that inspires a positive emotion, not just hope but perhaps happiness, calmness and serenity too. The idea behind the term is that if we can identify our glimmers then when we are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious we can use these glimmers to help us improve our sense of well-being.
A glimmer of trees?
This really resonated with me as it now means I have a way of explaining my feelings towards trees – they are my glimmer. I’ve always enjoyed trips to a forest or woodland, possibly because growing up my favourite books were Wind in the Willows and Winnie-the-Pooh. However it was only during the pandemic and the restrictions of lockdown that I started to notice the affect being surrounded by trees had on my sense of wellbeing. I’m fortunate in that I am naturally a calm, stoic person and rarely experience the sense of dread and anxiety that I know a lot of people do. However during the pandemic when every day the news seem to go from bad to worse with seemingly no end in sight I began to cherish my daily walks as they were an opportunity to escape the headlines and the doom-scrolling but beyond this I also started to notice a marked change in my emotions as soon as I reached our local park.
It could be argued that the soothing effect of strolling takes time to kick-in and this calming property happened to take over just as I reached the park however I think there is more to it than that. It seemed the moment I stepped off the pavement and onto the woodland track, I felt much calmer. I guess the best way to describe is to say it is like a sip of hot chocolate on a cold day or stepping into a warm bath. I’m aware I’m not explaining this very well but then that’s my whole point, it’s something I have struggled to describe before whereas now I can simply say: trees are my glimmer.
I’m not the first person to extol the soothing properties of being surrounded by trees, in fact forest bathing has been practiced in Japan since the 1980s and has also started to be embraced here in the UK. Apparently to feel the full benefits of forest-bathing a session should last two hours and the science behind the concept is related to the chemicals released by the trees. However while this does sound lovely, practically speaking I rarely have that much time to spend in a wood, although that could explain why I keep threatening to run away and live in the forest!
The time element is why I’m inclined to prefer the word glimmer to describe my love of trees rather than to simply say I am a fan of forest-bathing. I’m sure if you spend enough time in the forest then the release of chemicals from the trees will have a calming effect however that doesn’t explain the instantaneous feeling of serenity that I experience upon entering a wood. Perhaps I was right earlier and that trees are a glimmer for me as they subconsciously take me back to the adventures of Mole & Ratty or remind me of Pooh and Piglet exploring the 100-acre wood. I do think there might be more to it then that though. I feel there is something comforting about trees, the fact that they are ancient. They have been there for decades, if not centuries, they have seen and experienced many changes and yet they carry on. When we are experiencing times of great change, particularly when it is out of our control, trees are a comforting constant.
Another element is the sense of safety and protection that trees provide for us. This is particularly valuable when we are feeling overwhelmed, the trees provide a haven and a sanctuary. They not only keep you dry when it’s raining, cool when it’s hot or act as a barrier from the wind but they also give you a means of escaping the wider world. These giant, benevolent beings are a source of succour for humans, birds, plants, squirrels and essentially anyone who needs it. They are not there to pass judgement or to prove a point, they simply exist and are there for us when we need them. What’s not to love about that?
I have mentioned woodlands but let’s not forget the marvelous work of the urban tree. While a wander in the forest is my favourite type of walk, the one I do on a more regular basis is an urban one. It’s during these walks that I am particularly thankful for trees, viewing them as old friends providing a break from the traffic, noise and pollution. In fact for this year’s ‘Tree of the Year’ competition The Woodland Trust is asking us to vote for our favourite urban tree, no mean feat as there are some beauties on the shortlist and let’s face it, they’re all good trees Bront.
It’s funny as I write this it’s got me thinking about what could have been. In the past if people asked me what career I’d have liked if I had my life over, my inner-bookworm would pipe up with either an author or a librarian. Alternatively I do love dinosaurs so perhaps a paleontologist but I don’t think I’d ever really thought about it being someones job to protect, manage and advocate for trees. I fear it may me too late for me to become a ranger but perhaps I should check if Forestry England or the Woodland Trust have any vacancies…
Anyway before this post branches out (get it!) any further I think I’d better stop. Maybe I’ll go for a walk to the park.
That’s how I stroll.
Soothing Strolls 
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