Tag Archives: nature

Finding Health and Happiness Through Forest Bathing

https://www.iowapublicradio.org/post/finding-health-and-happiness-through-forest-bathing#stream/0

Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, M.D., ANFT Medical Advisor and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, talks about her new book, “The Outdoor Adventurer’s Guide to Forest Bathing” and other forest bathing projects on Talk of Iowa.

www.facebook.com/513665655387110/posts/2750207611732892/

Forest bathing: What it is and why you should try it – Thrive

The Japanese practice of forest bathing — or shinrin-yoku — may result in some impressive health benefits. Here’s what you need to know.

These days, we stay indoors for hours scrolling through social media, binge-watching TV shows, or playing video games. We shop online and have purchases delivered straight to our homes. We live in or commute to cities surrounded by concrete, steel, and smog. Our days are mostly spent away from sunshine, trees, water, and fresh air.

While our modern way of life can be convenient, it’s taking us away from the health benefits of nature. To the point where getting outside should now be a priority. This is where the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku — or forest bathing — can help.

What is forest bathing?

In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries created the term shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” The practice encourages people to simply spend time in nature — no actual bathing required. It’s also very low impact, which means you don’t have to go for trail runs or do an intense hike. The goal of forest bathing is to live in the present moment while immersing your senses in the sights and sounds of a natural setting.

— Read on thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/thrive-together/live-well//forest-bathing-try

Forest Bathing

 

Forest Therapy, also known as
Shinrin-Yoku,”

refers to the practice of spending time in forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. The practice follows the general principle that it is beneficial to spend time bathing in the atmosphere of the forest. The Japanese words translate into English as “Forest Bathing.”

How do might you do it?

Enter the forest with an intent to have a direct, uninterrupted, immersive engagement.

arboretum lawn

Cross the threshold into the forest and acknowledge the ceremonial honor of entering the home of gracious beings.

baldwin lake shoreline

Take time to become aware of yourself, your body, and what your senses are perceiving

Begin to take notice of each impression you have as it occurs

baldwin lake side cottage

Move slowly through the forest as you observe everything else that is moving around you

lakeside palm

Explore aspects of the forest that enable you to have an intimate appreciation for what you find by connecting with your senses

water feature

Sit and discover what has been revealed to you

phoenix

close your visit with a ceremony before crossing the threshold as you depart

 

“The problem with our busy city lives, however, is that the stressful events keep piling up.  There will be emails to answer, co-workers demanding attention, a deadline looming, the shopping to get done, the bills to be paid.  And our cortisol levels remain always slightly raised.

When cortisol is released constantly, it can disrupt all our body’s processes. And people who produce chronically high levels of cortisol are at increased risk of numerous health problems.”

Dr. Qing Li

Forest Bathing, pgs. 66-67

autumn autumn mood colorful edge of the woods
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Summer Travel

One of the benefits of travel is the experience of nature at its best.  The majesty of the sights, sounds, and feelings from sun, wind, and water.  Nothing compares.

2018_0705_104742_001

An example of this: The hike to Stewart Falls in Sundance, Utah.

NOVATEK CAMERA

The location can be reached only on foot.

NOVATEK CAMERA

You can then appreciate the reward for your effort, and the fulfillment of your anticipation.

NOVATEK CAMERA

About 4 miles long, by setting your own pace most can make it.

NOVATEK CAMERA

And you can bring your dog for added fun.

NOVATEK CAMERANOVATEK CAMERANOVATEK CAMERANOVATEK CAMERANOVATEK CAMERANOVATEK CAMERANOVATEK CAMERA