Immersing yourself in nature is what forest bathing is all about, but I've always described it as fishing, hunting, blackberry picking or just hiking. Problem is, today's youth have gotten far away from these kinds of pleasures, and finding the Old Ways of sanity is attractive to them. If they want to call it “Forest Bathing” then that's all right with me.
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Originally known as shinrin-yoku, which translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere,” forest bathing began in Japan as so many of the healthy practices have. It has been credited with health benefits ranging from reduced blood pressure and stress levels to boosted immunity.
Fact is, most of us already know that getting out in the fresh air changes everything for the better, from our mood to our blood flow and muscle tone. I think working up a good sweat is important, too. It lets us release toxins that are built up in our bodies from days with no real exercise.
Here in the Ozarks the sight of a wooded trail just make me smile, sending negative thoughts out onto the breezes. And the smells of fresh woodland soil and plants fill my lungs so nicely that just taking a good, deep breath is relaxing.
Bird song and animal sounds really lift my spirits, and even if I'm not hunting just sitting down beneath a big old oak and watching all the activity helps me realize there is much more going on around me. Suddenly the pressing worries of the day can melt away and let me think of truly productive ideas.
Do you like hiking the same trail over that you've enjoyed before? It seems like something is always changing, and then there are the things you love to see. Now that we have cell phones it's fun to stop and snap a photo of something new.
I know that a part of “forest bathing” is going barefoot, and I'll admit I've done it. There is something to that notion about grounding yourself with Mother Earth. But I get a kick out of tying on those good old trusty hiking boots that I've owned for years and giving them another jaunt.
Yes, I know, forest bathing is a new gig for many younger outdoors people, but getting out in the woods has always been a part of my life and I've known the reason all along – it makes me feel good.
