What Is Forest Bathing and Why Should You Do It?
It’s funny — when Dave mentions forest bathing, people look at him a little funny. I think they think he’s talking about something like skinny dipping. Um… no… 🙂
Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in nature and connecting with it using all five senses. It is a form of therapy that has been shown to have physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
The practice typically involves spending time in a forest, park, or other natural environment, and engaging in activities such as walking, breathing exercises, and meditation. The goal is to become fully present in the moment and to experience the natural world in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Studies have shown that forest bathing can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve mood, boost immune function, and increase overall feelings of well-being. It is a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with nature and to improve both physical and mental health.
Some examples of forest bathing activities include:
- Walking mindfully through a forest, focusing on the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the natural environment.
- Sitting quietly and observing the natural surroundings, such as watching birds, animals, or water.
- Breathing exercises that involve inhaling the natural scents of the forest and exhaling slowly.
- Meditation or yoga in a natural setting, such as in a clearing or on a rock by a stream.
- Foraging for wild foods or plants, and learning about their uses and properties. (I call this “Eating Your Yard“)
It’s important to note that forest bathing is not about achieving a specific goal or accomplishing a task. Rather, it’s about immersing oneself in nature and being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction.
In my book, “Finding Peace in a Turbulent World: Living in Sacred Nature,” I talk about having Pure Conscious Experiences. A Pure Conscious Experience is when you become aware of the extraordinary in the ordinary. You fully feel and appreciate the wonder and perfection in something that at other times you might deem imperfect, or you might not even notice. A Pure Conscious Experience feels like unexplainable happiness or childlike wonder. It might make you giggle. It might make you cry. It might make you feel a swell of joy, wonder, and/or gratitude in your heart. It most often comes not when you reach your destination, but when you look for and find “the joy in the journey.”
Forest bathing might result in your having a Pure Conscious Experience. Either way, forest bathing is a great way to experience peace, joy, gratitude and wonder. Give it a try! Nature offers “instant gratification.” Connect with it and quickly you’ll be feeling less stressed, more peaceful and more grounded.
