Imagine wrapping your arms around a sturdy tree in a lush forest. There's something magical about the leaves, branches, and tall trunks that form the trees around you. You will feel as if you are immersed in the mysterious space of trees. This is the very beginning of forest bathing.
You don't need a towel or soap for this calming bath. Rather, it's about sinking down to your soul into the forest until you can find harmony within yourself and breathe peace again. Are you ready to immerse your tired body and mind in the forest? Here's how:
What is forest bathing?
Forest bathing is derived from the Japanese concept of forest bathing, which means “forest” and “bathing.” It is an unusual modern form of meditation that began in the 1980s at Akazawa Recreation Forest, where the unique relationship between humans and nature has acquired therapeutic importance. Japan's Forestry Agency launched the first campaign, and it has now become a popular activity for locals and tourists alike.
The concept is to help more people enjoy the peace and tranquility of the forests that make up most of Japan. Officials hoped this would help reduce mental tension and distract people who have become so absorbed in everyday technology that they don't know how to breathe or relax.
To forest bathe, take a quiet walk through the forest and let the calm and peaceful surroundings prepare your mind. There are no set rules for how to practice forest bathing or how to do it effectively; each person follows their instincts in the forest.
Seeing and touching trees has shown remarkable effects in calming hyperactive behavior in children. Trees can also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, lift your mood, and increase mental calm.
5 steps to forest bathing for beginners
Our easy-to-understand guide will help you make the most of your first forest bathing experience.
1. Forest preparation and selection
Before you get in your car and head to your nearest wooded area, it's important to be prepared. Start by dressing appropriately. Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes with plenty of tread to avoid slipping on leaves and vegetation. If you're heading out late in the afternoon, bring a warm coat and a flashlight.
Decide which forest you want to visit, but check to see if it allows forest bathing, is on public land, and is safe to explore. Also, check if it's hunting season in your area and wear a brightly colored vest if necessary.
Let a friend or relative know where you are going and bring your cell phone with you in case you fall or need to call for help. Park your car safely and go with a friend if possible.
2. Activate your breathing
When you get to the park, intentionally leave your worries behind at the first tree. A mantra like “That's all for today” can help you visualize lessening the challenges of the day. Take a few steps through the plants and walk slowly and quietly.
After walking a few steps, you pause. Stop when it feels appropriate. Next, inhale deeply and draw the green terpenes and organic compounds into your center. Hold your breath and exhale deeply to completely remove water from your lungs. Wait a moment, let the air fill your lungs, then breathe out slowly again.
Breathe normally and slowly move forward when you feel the urge. Keep breathing and taking in the scent of plants as you move among the different trees.
3. Discover your senses
Open your senses now and deepen your meditation. Start with your sense of smell and breathe in the scent of the forest into your lungs. You can taste the green scent of leaves and twigs, and each step makes a crunching sound as more scents are released into the forest. The crunch of leaves under my feet and the creak of branches swaying overhead whisper in my mind like an orchestra.
Feel the tree's wild welcome by gently touching it as you pass, or by leaning in and hugging it. Your eyes marvel at the fluttering leaves and earth-toned commotion all around you. It's a wonderful painting that makes you feel like you're a part of it.
4. Move carefully
Continue your leisurely stroll through the trees. Pause when appropriate, and when you start to feel tired, sit at the base of the tree that speaks to you. There's no time or need to rush here. Just you and the forest.
5. Experience trees
When you feel that your session with the trees has fulfilled your purpose for the day, you may feel a little dizzy, peaceful, and fulfilled. The worries of the world are now far away, and when I return home I can feel the calm of the forest.
Effects of forest bathing
There are many benefits to spending time in quiet meditation in parks, forests, and woodlands.
Switch off: If you're caught up in a fast-paced, technology-obsessed world, switching off as you step among the trees is perfect for calming your mind and grounding yourself deeper. This is a method. Tranquil trees create an ideal setting for quiet contemplation and introspection.
Feeling calm: The deep silence of the forest is perfect for calming the mind and clearing away troublesome thoughts. The rhythm of the leaves and the breeze rustling through the branches create a peaceful and sad afternoon.
Overcoming burdens: It is impossible to take yourself or your worries too seriously when you are standing among the trees. These huge natural fortresses put things gently into perspective and suddenly it becomes so much easier to let go of burdens.
Reduce stress and loneliness: Loneliness affects many people in the digital age, and even with so many ways to connect online, it still plagues people. The study found that 36% of participants felt lonely, showing how isolated people are. When you stand with the tree, you are no longer alone. Forest bathing is also popular, and you can see giants peacefully strolling among them.
Discover inner peace: People who regularly take a forest bath feel more at peace, can see life more clearly, and enjoy an increased sense of self. When combined with mantras, they benefit the conscious and subconscious mind, and when you first walk among the trees, mantras quiet your busy mind.
find your way
The trees gently welcome you and share deep memories and peace of mind with everyone who walks through them. Whether you believe in forest bathing as a way to reach mindfulness, reduce anxiety and overcome loneliness, the beauty of trees can make anyone want to spend hours walking among them. I see, I find it fascinating.
Which path in the green do you want to take?
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