It can seem strange to remind ourselves to get outside. As children, we were probably told that a lot. In the frenzied age of distraction, for us, and our children, taking time to observe, listen and smell is worth the reminder.
These articles remind us what our ancestors knew intuitively: Nature heals.
Qing Li is the father of forest bathing. In fact, he wrote the book on it. In this brief article in Time, he tells us to get outside. All you need is a tree, of course, and more is better. In one paragraph, he explains simply: “…find a spot. Make sure you have left your phone and your camera behind. You are going to be walking aimlessly and slowly…It doesn’t matter if you don’t get anywhere. You are not going anywhere.” We already know how to forest bath. We just need to remember and teach our children and grandchildren to remember also. (4-minute read)
‘Forest Bathing’ Is Great for Your Health. Here’s How to Do It
The Guardian uses the example of forest bathing to illustrate an interesting trend with not-so-far-out medical treatments. The medical community is expanding to social prescribing where they can tap into the many community resources that can support individuals in non-clinical ways. Forest bathing considers that we spend 80-90% of our time indoors whether it is in buildings or cards. We know that being out in nature is good for our soul. Forest bathing creates a purpose to “don’t just do something. Sit there.” (5-minute read)
The list of benefits for getting outside is very long. Spartan Races challenges us to be mindful when we are outside to observe nature even in small ways, like a sidewalk crack. Author Siobhan Colgan reminds us that “we’re typically active when outdoors–and also that observing the wonders of nature makes us more mindful of the world…” We get ideas for spending time with nature whether it is through a condo garden box or a full immersion in the great outdoors. (6-minute read)
Why Getting Out Into the Great Outdoors Will Make You More Resilient
There are 89 million references to forest bathing on Google. This Quartz article summarizes how to use all six (yes, six) of your senses in pursuit of the health benefits of this newer health practice. Although often referred to as an ancient practice (it could be considered to be tied to Buddhism or Shintoism), it is a concept introduced in the 1980s by the Japanese government to get the citizens out into the woods. It has been scientifically studied and the practice does a lot of good. You don’t need to travel to Japan to enjoy the therapy. Simply get outside. (11-minute read)
Japanese “forest medicine” is the science of using nature to heal yourself—wherever you are
Visit these five destinations to practice the Japanese art of forest bathing.
Interlude
A Walk In The Woods
I don’t think that I am unique. I don’t need someone to tell me to go for a walk in the woods. But my walks don’t necessarily feel therapeutic. I have dogs pulling me one way or another, and I, often, have a time limit. I think that forest bathing at its heart is a change in perspective. This morning, although I had a commitment that was drawing me home, I took a few extra minutes to absorb the lakefront and watch the birds flit between the branches and the flowers. The occasional minnow broke the river surface and we were graced by the presence of a mink scampering along the shore. The air was still and commitments and work seemed very far away.
When I read about the steps involved in forest bathing, I must admit, I thought: that’s a lot of work. Strange though, I will walk for three hours on a Saturday afternoon–the recommended time for an immersive experience. The distinction comes with considering a walk therapeutic or as a break/outing/exercise. Perhaps my daily walk down my tree-lined street to the lake means that I don’t necessarily need the therapeutic side of forest bathing. I am fortunate because I have nature at my toes.
North of me, they built a new highway across farmer’s fields and forests. And there is another townhouse complex going up around the corner. Development goes on and on.
How far will my grandchildren need to travel to bathe in a forest?
Forest bathing was originally designed the Japanese forestry service to preserve the over 3000 square kilometres of forests across Japan. It worked. The therapy has been scientifically studied, peer-reviewed and lauded as effective in improving the health and well-being of practitioners. And the forests get preserved. It is a salient point that one of the world’s largest economies has made the decision to keep its forests because it makes its workforce more productive and happier.
I, sometimes, remark to my husband that companies invent conditions that make their business money. Forest bathing seems to be a solution to many company’s challenges with productivity. It is an invention that doesn’t seem to have any downside. (except for the companies that it can’t be commoditized or patented). It gives us a chance to save the trees to restore our health and well-being. I think a good ancestor might embrace forest bathing.