Walking consciously in Nature: forest diving

We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. We have known it for centuries. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us.

In Japan,people practice something called “Forest Bathing”, or shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku literally means “bathing in the forest atmosphere”, or taking in the forest through our senses.

This is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging. It is simply being and walking in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Shinrin-yoku is like a bridge. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world.

You can practice Forest Bathing in every season of the year.
Half day or full day

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