cindygrogan14 As George Harrison once sang, “It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter.” The weather is starting to warm up and it’s time to get back outside. Face it—we’re all desperate for some time in nature (OK, maybe that’s just me). So, it’s a perfect time to talk about the art of “forest bathing.”
I can just about imagine what you’re thinking now but let me explain. You don’t need to strip down and haul a clawfoot out into the wilderness. “Forest bathing” is an ancient Japanese practice. It’s simple and it’s beautiful. The idea is to head out into a patch of nature – it can even be a humble park or a small backyard. Turn off the phone and the screens; dial back the distractions.
Then simply allow yourself to experience the serenity of nature. Notice the colors of the trees and sky. Be aware of the birdsong, the sound of water or of the wind. Close your eyes and bask in all of this beauty and peace. Take it all in. You can do this for as little as 10 minutes or longer if you have the time.
Face it: we see it all around us on the daily, but Mother Nature is something we largely take for granted. It’s just background for a bangin’ Insta vacation photo.
This is an energy that we’re naturally connected to, but have forgotten in this busy, rush-rush era. Forest bathing helps us reconnect with the unique energy and power of nature, helps us take a breath, and ground ourselves amidst the 21st-century hurly-burly. It’s supremely healing and balancing. So as the weather warms up and the trees and plants start to bloom again, make time to sink into a relaxing tub of … nature.