Forest bathing is a wonderful practice of being immersed in nature and taking it in through your senses. Focusing on the here and now. Shinrin means “forest” and yoku means “bath” in Japanese. Put them together and you get forest bathing or taking in the forest atmosphere.
This is my favorite way to de-stress or unwind after a long day. Listening to the birds, smelling fresh flowers, watching animals or a waterfall, feeling the sunlight on my face – this is all forest bathing.
To truly forest-bathe and get the most health benefits from it, you shouldn’t be preoccupied with your phone or camera. It is not exercising or hiking outdoors. All you need to do is sit or wander aimlessly. Take your time. Really appreciate the sights, smells, and sounds all around you. Connect with nature by laying on the ground, putting your toes into a stream, looking at fall foliage, or taking deep breaths of clean air. Something as small as feeling the texture of tree bark or as grand as standing in a rain forest and looking for patterns in the canopy can be shinrin-yoku.
Anyone can forest-bathe and you can do it anywhere. Shinrin-yoku can be done alone, with friends and family, or even as a guided meditation or tour.
I like to stroll on my local greenway, although I do cheat and bring my camera. It’s the perfect way to practice mindfulness. I can’t be playing over the events of the day if I’m listening for the barely-there sounds of a deer in the woods or trying to distinguish which tree a bird call came from. Sometimes just sitting in the sunshine and letting a light breeze flow over can be really rejuvenating.
Where is your favorite or dream forest bathing spot? Comment below!
Love everything about this. We have many beautiful parks around us, and as soon as the weather allows, I’ll be there!
Thanks Colleen! Yes, I’m so excited to have some good sunny weather again to enjoy the outdoors ?
Shinrin-Yoku love it!
Hello Steph, I believe I practiced Shinrin-Yoku without knowing what it was. I had five children. After a long Summer I looked forward to their first day of school. If that day was pleasant I would head North in the afternoon with a blanket, a lunch and a book. I would find a favorite tree and spend a precious few hours enjoying nature, it’s palette of color and reading. You’re right, it is refreshing and affirming.
You sound like a shinrin-yoku master Liz! You really know how to tell a story!
🙂