When most people hear the terms woodslore or bushcraft, what immediately jumps to mind is campfires, sheltercraft, axe and knife use, foraging and other woods skills, not a mindset or discipline. These sets of skills and the mindset involved can provide a great connectivity and immersion in the natural world, thus improving our mental well-being.

 

The Watchful Woodsman

 

A good woodsperson is watchful; not suspicious, but perceptive and aware. By learning to be observant of the environment from top to bottom they completely connect with the forest. A good start is to learn to look for natural resources to use, such as firewood, tinder, safe camping areas, water sources and foragable food. In time, they will learn what plants and trees are available locally, and soon notice tracks and animal trails. This is all part of “reading” the landscape. With practice, it will slowly sharpen our senses and mind, giving us better understanding and connectivity, and adding to the enjoyment of the outdoors.

 

The Confident Woodsman

 

Another benefit of this outlook is mental confidence. By learning how to take care of ourselves in the forest, we become confident in our abilities. This empowers us and helps to dispel much of the fear of the woods to enjoy it in all seasons, times and conditions.

 

Don’t let this confidence create an arrogant know-it-all. Horace Kephart, a wise old woodsman, once said, “In the school of the woods. there is no graduation day. Once you think you have her figured out, nature will prove you wrong.” So always be humble and endeavor to keep learning.

 

By learning various skills, adopting the mindset and looking at the world through a woodsman's eyes, we begin a lifelong journey that is fulfilling, empowering and balancing.

 

Woodsman and educator Chad Redding is the owner of Ruck Rabbit Outdoors, an outdoor equipment purveyor. He learned from woodsmen such as Steve Jennings, Kevin Estela and Tom T.D. Cusack, who in turn learned from Marty Simon, formerly of The Wilderness Learning Center, and Ron Hood. Redding will be leading several free Walk with a Woodsman events at Sonnewald Natural Foods on select Saturdays in Spring Grove from April through September.