Forest Bathing
Reminds me of Forest Gump!
In the 1980’s in Japan, a phenomenon called Forest Bathing became very popular. The practice is proven by scientists to benefit physical as well as mental health. It helps lower heart rate, blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost immunity and mood and improve overall feelings of well being. I remember growing up in Hollywood and traipsing through Griffith Park for hours. I was mostly by myself. Although there were thousands of butterflies, dragonflies and birds of a variety of colors and songs. It was magical to be in so much green. The air felt like it was alive and of course it was. I have always been attracted to being out in nature. For me, there is a deeper connection to All That Is when I am in nature. I feel the Oneness of all creatures.
We have been reviewing a couple of movies about people who live by themselves in the dense forest or jungle. These films are thrilling documentaries about our connection to all of life! I will let you know if they get chosen to be in the Illuminate Film Festival.
Now, forest bathing is starting to take off in the U.S. The Associations of Nature & Forest Therapy plans to train and certify about 250 new guides next year. “We’re aiming to have 1,000 trained guides within three years,” a wilderness guide Amos Clifford says. There’s a growing body of evidence that the practice can help boost immunity and mood and help reduce stress. Of course, in winter in the northern hemisphere there is not the same kind of leafy experience available. Maybe we should all take a trip down under?
I am encouraging all of us to find some activity where we can interrupt our normal life activities. Let’s make a connection with Mother Earth today and find that curious child within that wants to play! From my Forest Gump heart to yours, Thomas