“Take hold of your own life.
See that the whole existence is celebrating.
These trees are not serious,
these birds are not serious.
The rivers and the oceans are wild,
and everywhere there is fun,
everywhere there is joy and delight.
Watch existence,
listen to the existence and become part of it.”
– Osho
In 1982 the Japanese government’s Forest Agency started a practice called Shinrin-yoku. This term translates as “taking in the forest atmosphere,” or “forest bathing.” This preventative health care program was started to encourage a stressed out society to boost their spirits and immune systems by getting out into nature. Even though Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, sixty-four percent of the country is covered in forest.
But this isn’t about power walking, mountain climbing, or counting your steps. This forest therapy is about walking mindfully, and standing still among the trees, tuning into all your senses and taking in the forest atmosphere. Breathe in the organic compounds released by trees, known as phytoncides, that boost the immune system. Listen to the sound of the wind through the trees. Feel the lush earth under your feet. Smell the scent of pine. Close your eyes and let them rest. Connect with who you really are.
The Forest Bathing Society has a website that lists sixty-two locations for forest bathing around Japan. Many are signposted as Therapy Roads that are scientifically approved locations for Shinrin-yoku. There are even trained Forest Therapy Guides and Therapists to assist you on the mental and physical health benefits of being out in the woods.
So let’s unplug the televisions, turn off our computers, leave our smartphones at home. I’ll meet you at the edge of the forest, where we can walk slowly and restore all the parts of us that have forgotten how to see the forest through the trees.
