Victoria talks about Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing)
The term Shinrin Yoku emerged in Japan the 80s. It’s translation in English is ‘forest bathing’ or ‘taking in the forest atmosphere.’ For a long time, many cultures have recognised how important the natural world is to human health and well-being. Forestry England state “studies into the practice of Shinrin Yoku, in Korea and Japan have shown that even short-term exposure to the forest can enhance positive emotions, lower blood pressure and heart rate and reduced stress hormones.”
So, what exactly is forest bathing? It is simply being calm and quiet amongst the trees whilst noticing nature around you, breathing deeply as you do so. It is in essence a mindful activity and is a good alternative to meditation if that doesn’t work for you. Forest bathing can be done either by walking, standing, sitting or a combination of all three, whilst consciously connecting with what’s around you. One time I was sitting with my eyes closed whilst forest bathing in my local woods, I became aware of something very nearby and as I slowly opened my eyes, imagine my delight at seeing a deer staring curiously at me!
Forest bathing is mostly a free activity and can be undertaken during any season and in most weather conditions (severe windy weather is not advisable!) As we are now in Spring, we should start to see bluebells appear in our woodlands in the UK from late March to early May. Seeing a woodland floor carpeted in a glorious swathe of beautiful bluebells is a sight that has always filled my heart with joy. Listen out for the first distinctive sounds in April of the cuckoo, having flown in from Africa. Their stay is quite short lived until early June, returning to Africa once more.
Woodland can also be enjoyed as the Autumn turns to Winter. The sound of the crunching of leaves, particularly when covered in frost can feel and sound quite satisfying. Or hearing the rain pitter pattering through the trees. Spotting wildlife tracks in the frosty weather can be easier at this time of year too.
The key thing is observing your environment using as many of your senses as you can and enjoying the presence of being in a beautiful natural space. Whether that is appreciating the touch of smooth or the rough bark of a tree, gazing up at the splendour of the canopy of the trees, listening to the songs of many resident birds or smelling the deep, earthy scent of wonderful woodland.
Here is a link to Forestry England with more information on Forest Bathing.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/blog/forest-bathing
Visiting a manged forest can offer more accessibility, somewhere like Hatfield Forest, Essex has some boardwalks and roads that go through the forest.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/hatfield-forest
For a gentle approach to enhancing wellbeing why not give forest bathing a try and enjoy the benefits of re-connecting with nature through the senses.
References/credits:
https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/why-forests-are-good-health-and-wellbeing
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/butterflies/speckled-wood/
https://butterfly-conservation.org/butterflies/speckled-wood
https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/coprinopsis-picacea.php
