Forest bathing is a unique form of nature therapy that comes from the Japanese practice called shinrin-yoku. This healing form of nature therapy is not just simply being in nature or exercising in nature, it is a more mindful, meditative and in-depth way of connecting with the Earth. Highly beneficial, it involves tapping into your intuition and your five senses to bathe in the positive energy of the forest atmosphere.
How to Practice Forest Bathing
To start practicing forest bathing, follow the simple 3 steps below:
1. Let your intuition guide you to a peaceful spot in nature where there is no one else around you. Using your intuition, you can find the right place in nature that connects with your inner needs.
2. Make sure to leave any distracting objects behind, such as your cell phone, so that you can fully focus on this environment.
3. Focus on your five senses (hear, see, smell, touch, taste) as you take in the forest atmosphere; taste the fresh air, smell the flowers, listen to the birds, touch the bark of trees, and observe the animals.
Forest bathing incorporates the principles of mindfulness, or the practice of single-pointed awareness, to deepen your experience in nature therapy and bathe in the calming forest atmosphere. So, head out to the forest and give this practice a try for yourself!
Live consciously! x