Forest, Trees, and their Curative Energies
It is good to be surrounded by nature, everyone already knows, but this practice can also be used as a meditation, with benefits for physical and psychological health.
The effects of the practice on the body and mind have been studied since it was developed in the early 1980s. The results show decreased cortisol, the primary stress-causing hormone, and a reduction in blood pressure. In addition, the practice promotes improved concentration, increased immunity, and strengthened metabolism, among other emotionally positive effects.
How the forest bath works
A typical session involves walking very slowly and deliberately through the forest. The session begins with moving to a forest or green area, such as a park. The participant must then calm down, observe the environment around him and walk slowly. He should be paying attention to the movement of the feet. It must keep all the senses attentive, allowing a complete immersion of his consciousness in the forest environment. You can also try this technique in other environments in the city, such as in a park or botanical garden.
As you walk, you need to expand your gaze to admire the beauty of nature, even more, noticing things that you didn’t notice before.
You can also just sit back and watch the subtle differences in the color of things, taking a moment to pause and breathe in deeply the abundant clean oxygen from the trees.
Run your fingers across the grass, feeling its texture. Open your ears to tune to the sound of bees buzzing, birds singing, water, and foliage moving. Breathe deeply through your nose, inhaling the varied aromas.
To enjoy the practice, it is better to be alone. You should not carry electronic equipment, such as cell phones and cameras.
If you are accompanied, make arrangements before you do not interact during practice, and when you are finished, you can sit in a circle and talk about what you have observed.
You can practice shinrin-yoku as many times as you like. Just an afternoon can bring positive feelings of well-being that last for weeks.
Increasing Contact with Nature through shinrin-yoku
The practice of “forest bathing” is not only to improve health. It is also a way to increase our links with nature, stimulating and inviting more sustainable practices in our daily lives.