Have you tried Forest Bathing, Shinrin-Yoku?
Shinrin-Yoku
I love the outdoors! I feel very connected to nature, especially when I take Koda for walks around my neighborhood. So, when I heard about forest bathing, I had to try it.
“Forest bathing” became popular in the 80s as a remedy to help people recover from too much stress and techno-burnout. It emerged from a term created by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries called shinrin-yoku, which means taking in the forest atmosphere.
You can practice forest bathing anywhere in nature—whether at a park, beach, lake, nature trail, a few trees, or any natural setting. It’s all about letting go, living in the moment, and immersing your mind, body, and soul into nature’s sights, sounds, and energy.
Spending less time worrying and more time in nature will help you become more relaxed, motivated, happier about life, and more creative. Plus, this practice will boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure, ease anxiety, and even help improve your mental health.
JOHN’S MESSAGE
I invite you to try this forest bathing exercise I’ve created just for you:
Visit one of your favorite nature spots—a park, the beach, or any area outdoors where you can walk among some trees and foliage. Turn off your devices to fully immerse yourself in this natural environment.
Take a couple of deep breaths. Close your eyes and just listen to all the sounds around you. What do you hear? Waves? Is the wind blowing? Birds chirping? The rustling of leaves? Take it all in.
Open your eyes and take in all the sights around you. Really look around and notice everything. Maybe it’s the shape of a cloud or a tree branch’s texture. Bask in the beauty around you.
Begin to walk slowly and let each of your senses soak in everything around you. Smell the fragrant flowers. Watch the leaves dance on the trees. Please pick up a rock or a seashell and feel its energy in the palm of your hand. Hug the trunk of a nearby tree if you can, walk barefoot, and connect with the earth.
Now, momentarily, stand still and send love and gratitude to this sacred space that has surrounded you with beauty. Breathe in the loving energy of nature before you, and breathe out loving energy from your heart and soul into this wonderful place. Sense the power coming back into you. Feel the connection. Feel the joy!
Keep the energy flowing with these affirmations:
I am grateful for the earth and all its gifts.
I am recharged and reinvigorated by the beauty of nature.
When my feet touch the earth, I am grounded and supported.
Nature nourishes my soul.
Write down your thoughts in your journal. What benefits did you notice? How did you reconnect with yourself?
About the Author
John Holland is an American artist, best-selling author, spiritual teacher, and public speaker who describes himself as a psychic medium. johnholland.com. If you know someone who may like to get this message, feel free to share these Soul Inspirations or recommend they join my newsletter list. Equally, I’d love to hear your personal stories, so do share them on my Facebook and Instagram pages.
Editor’s Note:
Imagine a therapy that doesn’t cost a dime, has no side effects, and is at your doorstep. Welcome to the world of Shinrin-yoku, or as we call it, forest bathing. This isn’t about taking a shower under the trees but something even more refreshing.
Shinrin-yoku: A Simple Guide to Forest Bathing
Shinrin-yoku started in Japan in the 1980s. It’s a simple practice: just being in the forest, soaking up all the sights, sounds, and smells. It’s like giving your mind and body a natural pill. Why? Because spending time in the forest can make you feel awesome!
Think about how relaxed you feel in a park or a garden. Now, imagine that feeling, but a hundred times better. That’s Shinrin-yoku for you. It’s not about hiking or jogging. It’s slower than that. You just wander around, breathe deeply, and watch the sunlight filter through the leaves. It’s about enjoying the forest in a chill, no-rush way.
Here’s why it’s cool: Trees release substances called phytoncides. These are essential oils that protect them from germs and bugs. When we breathe them in, they boost our immune system. Scientists have found that forest bathing can lower stress, improve mood, and even help your heart and blood pressure.
So, how do you do it? Easy! Find a forest or a green space. Leave your phone and camera behind. The idea is to unplug and connect with nature, not the internet. Then, just walk. Take it slow. Breathe in the fresh air. Touch the trees. Listen to the birds. Sit down and watch the world around you. Do this for a couple of hours, and voila! You’ve just done Shinrin-yoku.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do forest bathing. It’s all about being present in the moment and taking in the beauty of nature. So next time you need a break, hit pause and head to the nearest forest. Trust us; you and your body will thank you for it!
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