The ‘forest bath’ or the Japanese concept of shrinin-yoku forest therapy is an exercise in mindfulness that promotes well-being and a sense of calmness when practiced. The “bathing” refers to a therapeutic immersion in the natural environment with all the senses engaged. It’s an intentional and mindful practice that involves a leisurely walk through the woods allowing the sights, sounds, scents and textures of the natural world to “wash” over the individual. But it’s not just a walk, it’s a rejuvenating experience that goes beyond the physical and taps into the therapeutic essence of nature itself.
This is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging through the woods. It is simply being in nature with no other activity involved. No picture taking, texting or otherwise engaging with anything other than strolling through the forest. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world.
Never have we been so far from connecting with the natural world and so divorced from nature. The United Nations reports that 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas today, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050. According to a study sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 93% of his or her time indoors.
In our fast-paced, technology-driven lives, finding moments of stillness and mindfulness is a challenge but forest bathing provides an antidote. It is a way to foster an awareness of the interconnectedness of all living things, of being fully in the present moment, and leaving behind the distractions and noise of daily life. It is a holistic experience that encompasses the mind, body and soul.
Trees, the silent giants of the natural world, play a vital role in forest bathing. They play a vital role in creating a balanced ecosystem. Forest bathing takes this understanding…
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