There is a lot of talk about βforest bathingβ online at the moment. It refers to the notion that you βimmerseβ yourself in nature, you βsoak it upβ and benefit from nature’s relaxing, healing powers. Itβs a wonderful idea β I love it and fully endorse it. But I also know that for some people the idea seems a bit foreign. Walk in nature; sure. Sit in nature; ok. Bathe in nature; hmmm…
When my two daughters were still very little, I would say βletβs go for a walkβ. Sometimes they were keen, sometimes they were super-sighy. Perhaps they were too tired, or not overly motivated to put in the effort for no apparent reward. I guess they also knew that the chances were, wherever they walked, theyβd probably walked there before. Been there β done that β didnβt get a fridge magnet.
So, I sometimes turned βa walkβ into βa treasure huntβ. Occasionally I would print out a βfind meβ card of house numbers, letters, plants and birds. Or, I might say βletβs see how many this-or-that we can findβ. Other times Iβd make it about the 5 senses. I’d wait until we were at the park, or in the bush, then ask; βwhat can you see / hear / smell?β There was always the usual, expected answers, but sometimes they would catch me by surprise and point out something I hadnβt spotted or heard, or theyβd describe a smell in an unusual way that made me smile.
To this day, I still find myself βtreasure huntingβ when I walk through the bush or on the beach. I might bring home a seed-pod, shell or striated rock. Just the other day I asked myself, βwhat does the air taste like?β when I was at the beach watching the dogs run free. I surprised myself with the immediate answer: βsalted caramel.β I suppose the (sea)salt was no surprise, but I had to stop and taste the air again to realize that there really was a caramelly flavor to it. I canβt tell you why, but thatβs where my brain went in the moment.
Circling back to forest-bathing, what is it and how might it help your chronic pain?
According to a website (Treeming.org) that sells online-courses, benefits include:
- Reduced Stress Levels
- Enhanced Immune Function
- Improved Mental Clarity
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Better Mood and Emotional Well-being
- Increased Energy Levels
- Enhanced Sleep Quality
- Improved Cardiovascular Health
- Greater Connection to Nature
Interestingly, the site implies the practice is rooted (pun intended) in Nordic practices, whereas our friends over on Wikipedia, place its origins in Japan: “Shinrin-yoku […] also known as forest bathing, is a practice or process of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature.”
In reality – I’m guessing that every culture on earth that has a proximity to nature, has some form of forest bathing – being at one with your surroundings, experiencing heightened sensations, feeling a sense of wonder… seems like human-nature to me.
For as long as I can remember, a walk through the woods (we call it “bushwalking” in Australia) was always a combination of mindful movement, sensory overload, emotional and physical wellbeing served up with a big dose of awe.
In fact, the National Geographic post on forest bathing (here) says the same thing – “ecotherapy” is nothing new, nor country-specific. However, it has perhaps become more popular as our lives become ever-more-technological, and the environment becomes increasingly fragile.
Here’s a lovely infographic that I found that gives you 6 steps to get started… and finish… your forest bathing journey. I like that it makes the whole experience meaningful, from first step to last, as it were, AND that it includes REST as a meaningful part of the experience… [Disclaimer – the only thing I’m reluctant to fully recommend from the graphic is the barefoot element – you need to be VERY sure of the safety of your environment to kick off your kicks!]:
[Image source: How to Practice Forest Bathing and Benefits | Spirited Earthling]
Forest bathing is beautiful.
Forest bathing is calming.
Forest bathing is healing.
I 100% endorse the concept.
BUT – if you canβt make it work for you, don’t stress – try “treasure hunting” in your local park instead. Or even just try to walk your suburban streets with a new attitude. Keep an eye (and ear and nose) open for the details.
Breathe deeply. Walk slowly. Be intentional. Be mindful. Enjoy.
Take care taking care, Linda x
PS – if you’re not feeling well enough to get out and about today – here’s some photos from a recent visit I had to a garden down the coast, to give you a sense of how nature is filled with treasures, big and small, all of which help you channel your inner-Hansel-and-Gretel:
PPS – An online friend of mine, Peter Bombaer, has just completed a trilogy of musical soundscapes titled “Woodland Gardens III” – so this is a perfect place to do a forest bathing sound-shoutout… yay! Brombaer | Spotify
PPPS – Minding More’s blog recently posted a Benefiting from Nature post in which they used a lovely phrase which I’ll be keeping in mind and using forever forward: “Vitamin N” (for Nature) – take all the vitamins and minerals and supplements you want – but Vitamin N is often the best of the bunch when it comes to healing your woes!! Soak it up people, and let me know how you go! xox
The Mindful Migraine 
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