Forest Bathing

Enhance your enjoyment of nature:

Shinrin Yoku (pronounced shin rin yo koo) is a term that means “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” It was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine.  It’s not just for health, it’s for our relationships with nature, the type of relationships that support sustainable living.

There is space in the silence and it’s not just about us.  Others are out in nature to enjoy the stillness, the sounds, the magic.  Think Muir Woods in the morning.   Our group walks thru silently demonstrating respect for the majesty and for others (who are there for their wonder, not to be blasted with multiple, competing conversations – sounds carry).  In Shinrin Yoku, we revel in the sounds of water, birds, groaning trees in the wind, even our footfalls.

and

Komorebi (木漏れ日) (pronounced komo ray bee)  is a Japanese word that roughly translates to “sunlight shining through the leaves of trees.”  Enjoy this poem.