In nature, taking the forest in through the senses is called forest bathing. The subtle yet powerful effects of being in nature is felt I’m sure you’ve felt it, the positive feeling and energy you get after being outside. From breathing in the fresh air, with trees and plants around us. To walking on different terrain.
Immerse in nature with your senses.
But when was the last time you’ve been immersed in nature and truly paid attention. Bringing mindfulness to being in nature. Noticing everything around. Not just seeing. But truly nothing. Noticing your environment through your senses.
Forest bathing, also known as "Shinrin-yoku" in Japanese, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in a natural forest environment to promote physical and mental well-being. It's not about literal bathing but rather soaking in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the forest. Research suggests that forest bathing can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall health by connecting people with nature. It's a calming and rejuvenating experience.
An ancient Japanese method of being in nature, but truly “being”. In Japan, the practice of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses (Time.com, 2020).
Our senses, being our sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing.
Be in nature…truly sense all that there is to sense. Truly be immersed in our senses within a forest.
Notice the smell.
Notice what you see.
Notice how the sun beams through the trees. The colours. The shapes of the trees, leaves, plants all around.
What else do you see?
What do you hear.
The birds, wind, the trees creaking. The footsteps you’re making walking.
What do you feel from the ground beneath you?
What do you feel on your skin? On your lips. The air on your skin, maybe from the breeze.
What do you taste?
Try it ...take it all in next time you’re in nature.
Bathe in the forest. Not just walk through it. Truly bathe. Take all in, through your senses.
Bathe. Notice. Breathe.
Experience nature. Experience the forest.
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Sources and other good reads on FOREST BATHING
https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/lists/forest-bathing-nature-walk-health/
https://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20190611/forest-bathing-nature-time-hot-health-advice