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Walking Alone: The Intersection of Forest Therapy and Personal Safety

There's nothing quite like a peaceful walk in nature, and for many people, it can be a source of relaxation and rejuvenation. However, for women, this seemingly innocent activity can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety and apprehension. It's a sad truth that women are more vulnerable to attacks and harassment, and this can make something as simple as going for a walk a scary prospect.


When going on a solo forest therapy or nature photo walk, it's important to take steps to ensure your safety. You can start by choosing a location that is well-lit and populated and try to stick to daylight hours if possible. You can also consider carrying self-defense tools, such as pepper spray or a personal alarm (iPhones have an emergency feature that will call emergency if you press the power button 5 consecutive times), and make sure someone knows your location and expected return time.


It's also important to remember that women should not have to live in fear of walking alone, and that it's not their responsibility to prevent attacks from happening. Instead, society needs to work towards creating a safer environment for women, where they can feel confident and secure when going about their daily lives.


That being said, going on a nature walk alone can still be a powerful and transformative experience, and it's worth considering as a form of self-care. It's an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world, be present in the moment, and appreciate the beauty of nature. And for those interested in photography, it can be a chance to capture some stunning shots of the world around us.


In conclusion, going on a personal forest therapy and nature photography walk alone can be a wonderful way to connect with nature and find peace and tranquility. While women do have to consider their safety when walking alone, it's important to remember that this should not be a deterrent from enjoying the beauty of nature. Society needs to work towards creating a safer environment for women, and until then, women should take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.


Below are photos of my most recent forest therapy nature walk where I started with taking a moment for a deep breath before I began my journey. In the very beginning, I did experience a moment of fear for my safety but in the end, it was nothing to worry about. I ended my journey in the same spot as I started, where I took a moment to express gratitude for the scenic walk and ultimately, my safety.


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