Road at Adams Cove CE, Mike LeighShinrin-yoku: Forest Bathing
Shinrin-yoku (translated as “Forest Bathing”) is a grounding practice of engaging mindfulness in a nature, most often in a forested or treed area. To do forest bathing, move or sit quietly in nature without any goal or rush, and take time to explore all of your senses. This practice of “freeing the senses” in nature is deeply relaxing, and proven to be beneficial to your health. Capitol Land Trust staff member Kristen relates in her own experience:
“I was working in environmental education, and saw over and over the ability a forest had to transform the emotional landscape of people. I’ve found that forest bathing helps me shift my mood when I’m feeling stressed or worried.
I always start the practice by taking a few deep intentional breaths to bring me into presence with the forest. Sometimes it’s helpful to imagine that each breath is being reciprocated with the trees around me. Once I’ve “landed” in the present moment, I let my curiosity and senses lead the way. Every practice is different, but they all end with a greater sense of gratitude, connection, and ease in my mind and body.
The beautiful part about forest bathing is that it is incredibly accessible. It requires no special equipment, you don’t even need a forest. A local park or neighborhood with trees and greenery will do the trick (our public-access preserves are ready and waiting). The practice invites people to slow down, disconnect from their phones, release the desire for achievement, and just breathe. It offers an opportunity to tune in with your senses and experience the living world.”
Kristen is Capitol Land Trust’s Operations Coordinator and is responsible for supporting staff and the community through internal office culture initiatives, organizational finance, and as staff lead for the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee.
Her recommendations for further reading:
The Nature Fix: Why nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative by Florence Williams
Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature by M. Amos Clifford