Forest Bathing
So how does one go about forest bathing?
First, find a spot. Make sure you have left your phone and camera behind.
You are going to be walking aimlessly and slowly. You don’t need any
devices. Let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take
you. Follow your nose. And take your time. It doesn’t matter if you don’t
get anywhere. You are not going anywhere. You are savoring the sounds,
smells and sights of nature and letting the forest in. The key to
unlocking the power of the forest is in the five senses.
Let nature enter through your ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hands and feet. Listen to the birds
singing and the breeze rustling in the leaves of the trees. Look at the
different greens of the trees and the sunlight filtering through the
branches. Smell the fragrance of the forest and breathe in the natural
aromatherapy of phytoncides. Taste the freshness of the air as you take
deep breaths. Place your hands on the trunk of a tree. Dip your fingers or
toes in a stream. Lie on the ground. Drink in the flavor of the forest and
release your sense of joy and calm. This is your sixth sense, a state of
mind. Now you have connected with nature.
You have crossed the bridge to
happiness.
Click to read more in the Times article