Hello Forest Bathers,
Welcome to Shinrin-yoku. Forest bathing is the practice of emerging yourself into the forest and allowing nature to enter your body. All five senses (hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste) are utilized individually in the experience throughout the course of this journey. We start with some light breathing and yoga poses to help clear our minds and be present with our beautiful surroundings. After setting our intentions, we’ll begin our journey. Throughout our walk, I may pause the group so that we may all focus on each of the five senses. During these times, it is purposeful to close our eyes, breathe, and re-open our eyes to stay connected with the intension of each pause. Once we have completed our walk, we will take a few moments to personally reflect on our experiences and say our “Thank You’s” to the forest.
Why Forest Bathing
Making time to be at one with nature can have a positive impact on our health. Many studies have shown that forest bathing for just two hours has major benefits to our health.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17903349
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27493670
Since Shinrin-yoku’s inception, researchers have spent millions of dollars testing its efficacy. The scientifically-proven benefits of Shinrin-yoku include:
- Boosted immune system functioning, with an increase in the count of the body’s Natural Killer (NK) cells
- Reduced Blood Pressure
- Reduced stress
- Improved mood
- Increased ability to focus
- Accelerated recovery from surgery of illness
- Increased energy level
- Improved sleep
“Everybody needs beauty...
places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike.”