When many people hear the word forest bathing (or Shinrin Yoku), they think of swimming or bathing among trees. It actually rarely involves bathing in water and yet, the air which one breathes while walking shares some similarities with water in many ways.
The air moves in currents and flows in waves; this can be seen in the countless patterns of floating clouds in the sky. The air contains so many ecosystems including breeze-borne strands of insects and birds, pollen, soil and fungal spores to name a few. So technically, the air is like an ocean in which everyone “bathes”.
During forest bathing, you immerse your senses in the special characteristics of the forest. You walk through nature while focusing your senses in the multitude of ways the trees surrounds and touches you. You are able to feel the breeze, hear the brooks and rivers as they flow, hear the birds sing and even see the trees move.
By tuning into your senses, you are able to reduce the volume on the unmelodiousness of your inner thoughts. This allows your senses to bring you into the current moment where you can now appreciate what nature has to offer.
Shinrin Yoku is not hiking; the focus of Shinrin Yoku is connections and relationships. Many people have never learned about the art of stillness in nature, although there are some exceptions. For example, over time, a fisherman would learn how to tune in to the sounds of the ocean, how the sun reflects on the water and the fishes’ feeding timetable.
The term Shinrin Yoku was first coined by Tomohide Akiyama. The idea behind it was to create a distinctive brand identity which linked visits to the forest to health and wellness-based ecotourism although this does not mean that Shinrin Yoku is a modern phenomenon.
Many cultures have long been able to find healing in nature. In fact, until recently, all medicines came from herbs, roots, rituals and even relationships with other beings. Practically all preindustrial native communities had customs, ceremonies, rituals and medical techniques that were reliant upon natures’ healing; many of these are still based on the forest.
Wherever you find native people in the forest, you are bound to find forest-based healing practises.
There has been a growing interest in forest healing practises which appears to be a response to many failures experienced with mainstream medicine.
I recently took a certified course in Shinrin Yoku and I am pleased to announce that I will apply some of its practices during my Walk! With Mona service.
It’s an excellent option if you are just starting out in fitness. You will feel refreshed and energised after the walk, full of positive energy and ready to achieve your goals. At the end of the walk, you will enjoy a nice cup of green tea made by yours truly.