shinrin-yoku

Create peace, purpose and joy

Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing, which involves immersing oneself in a natural environment, such as a forest or a park, using all five of your senses. The key aspects of forest bathing are as follows; slow mindful movements, which are sensory-focused activities within a natural setting. Forest bathing originated in Japan in the early 1980s as a form of preventative healthcare. It has since gained worldwide recognition and acceptance as a proven practice towards a healthy mind and body.   

The goal of forest bathing is to be present in the moment and connect with nature rather than vigorously hiking, trail running or high intensity exercise of any type.  The point is not to sweat it out, it is the opposite. Slow down, breathe and focus on being present in nature.

Forest bathing can be done in any natural environment, not just forests. My personal reason behind participating in forest bathing stems from a recent life change, the loss of my job, not just my job, my career and to an extent a portion of my identity.

I was lucky enough to begin my Forest Bathing journey on a little island up in the Pacific Northwest near the San Juan Islands. No worries if you are not near a green lush forest. Simply find a spot in nature you enjoy spending time. Try a local park, botanical garden, near water, or your own backyard. When possible find a place with trees. Trees are the very essence of forest bathing.

Forest Bathing has been shown to provide various physical and mental health benefits, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, boosting the immune system, and improving mood. Imagine the countless romantic relationships, friendships and marriages that could have been saved if all parties had to complete a forest bathing class together.

When tension builds and a potential disagreement is on the horizon. One or both parties can immerse themselves in the practice of forest bathing to realize how achieving a calmer more peaceful state of mind can change the outcome of a challenging situation.

Another practical application for forest bathing is to use all or part of your lunch break from work to get outside. Walking trails, open space or a small park can all qualify as a safe space to decompress for a few minutes.

Paying a certified forest therapy guide would be less than a psychologist and the results would be felt immediately, years of stress melted away, all while creating a feeling of peaceful bliss.

In summary, forest bathing is a way of engaging all your senses to deeply connect with nature as well as our inner selves longing for fresh air, movement and a quiet mind.­

Whether you choose to further research the Japanese philosophies mentioned above you can begin now with little steps. Below I have provided a couple of resources for further reading and research into Japanese philosophies such as Forest Bathing and Ikigai.

“A Little Book of Japanese Contentments; Ikigai, Forest Bathing, Wabi-sabi and More…, provides a guidebook to Japanese philosophies intrinsic to living well. There are a wide variety of books on the Japanese concept of “Ikigai” how to live a purposeful life. One book I highly recommend the book; “Ikigai, The Japanese Secret Philosophy for a Happy Healthy Long Life With Joy and Purpose Every Day”.