Wellness (forest bathing)

Introduction

"...It is essentially a mindful, sensory experience in nature......nature is a therapist......(it) reduces the bio markers of stress, improves the functioning of the immune system, and enhances mood, creativity and attention span..."
Christie Little as quoted by Nina Karnikowski, 2022

To do this you
"...immerse yourself in a forest, absorb its sights, sounds and smells, and you will reap numerous psychological and physiological benefits......nature may be among the most potent medicine in our kit..."
Experience Nature as quoted by Nina Karnikowski, 2022

It is called 'shinrin-yoku' in Japan and 'waldtherapie' in Germany; many Indigenous communities have a strong connection to their environment.

Recent technological developments like computers, Internet, etc have resulted in our spending less time outside in nature. Yet
"...nature is full of metaphors......there are stories of resilience and vulnerability, loss and joy, beauty and pain......fitting a natural expression of our feelings with the landscape......Small ego, large self......a flourishing natural environment reminds us that we matter less than we think we do..."
Nina Karnikowski, 2022

Research has confirmed that the combination of fresh air, physical activity, vitamin D, phytoncides (organic compounds released by plants to boost our immune system) and no technology, results in our feeling more relaxed and focused. Furthermore, it lowers the concentrations of the stress hormone cortisol, reduces blood pressure and lowers the heart rate; there is a reduction in anxiety and stress.

NB
"...anxiety lives in the past or the future, it is very rarely in the present moment..."
Christie Little as quoted by Nina Karnikowski, 2022

Process

The pleasures of presence, eg when in a natural environment, close your eyes and focus on what you see, hear and smell around you, then walk slowly around the area, using all your senses. Aim to keep every moment as slow and intentional as possible.

This involves connecting with nature.

Then find a sit spot, ie
"...a sit spot is a place you choose to sit, in observation and reverence to the environment..."
Christie Little as quoted by Nina Karnikowski, 2022

You need to regularly visit the spot and notice the subtle changes in the environment over time. By doing this you will realise that you are part of a living, breathing ecosystem.

This is followed by meeting a tree, ie walking around slowly and choosing a tree to interact with, ie talk to it, breathe with it, sing with it, etc (do what makes you feel good and realise the unstoppable regenerating power of nature)