Shinrin-Yoku: How to Deepen Your Connection With Nature
It’s more than just a hike
Nature is all around us. Why not befriend it on a transcendental level? There are many beautiful forms out there, both transformative and accessible. One such example is Shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing.’
The Japanese meaning of Shinrin-yoku is ‘making contact with and taking in the atmosphere of the forest.’ As meditation is an expression of spiritual hygiene, forest bathing alludes to the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature. According to the 16th-century German physician Paracelsus, “The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician.”¹
The Obvious Question
You might be wondering, “how is this different than hiking, mountain biking, or playing hide-and-seek in the backyard?”. It’s a fair question, but this is more than a casual stroll through the woods. During the practice of Shinrin-yoku, you activate an elevated level of consciousness. Trees and roots are no longer obstacles but companions. If this sounds like some new-age dendrophilia, you are missing the point.
Shinto, the animistic religion indigenous to Japan, places a strong emphasis on purity, in which bathing is a common ritual. This is not a coincidence. In essence, Shinrin-yoku is as much theological discipline as it is a secular activity. Its only participation requirements are immersion in nature — even if it is artificial — and your complete presence.
A Simple Guideline
- Ditch the electronics. They are distractions.
- Focus on your breath.
- Move slowly, and feel free to take an occasional pause.
- Observe the constant flow of energy.
- Maximize all five senses to the best of your ability.
- Allow the sounds of your surroundings to become your Spotify playlist.
Nature therapy is not only a Japanese prescription. Although a deep symbiotic relationship with nature is an inherent feature of national identity, Shinrin-yoku, as known today, is a relatively nascent trend. The first book written exclusively on the subject was only published in 2018. Consequently, debates linger over the validity of its holistic efficacy.
Recent scientific studies, however, suggest that nature therapy can have therapeutic effects on immune function, cardiovascular health, and the respiratory system. It is also said to alleviate depression and anxiety while promoting greater mental relaxation and positive emotions, such as gratitude.²
Disclosure: Please note the affiliate link above. I link this product for its subject relevance without any expectation for monetary compensation.
The Experience
I first encountered Shinrin-yoku on a trip abroad. The book referenced above was actually a bathroom amenity in my hotel room. However, as someone with a lifelong obsession with Japanese culture, the book piqued my interest immediately. So much so that now I want to share my personal experiences with you, the generous reader. With a trip to Japan already on my horizon, Shinrin-yoku reached the same echelon of priority as sushi and saké.
The Outcome
The physical and spiritual impacts were instantly remarkable. Time stood still. I felt a relaxed energy despite the jetlag and hours of travel. I noticed small details from a vertical perspective. A family of stones below and the intricate patterns of unfamiliar leaves dancing from trees above. The clean and refreshing fragrance of spring. An appreciation for it all. Granted, my first experience with nature therapy was in the land of its origin. However, you understand the impact of a new discovery by the extent to which it integrates within ‘normal’ life.
I live in a metropolis but am hardly bereft of places where nature can pamper me. You can enjoy its benefits in your own backyard or local park. My guideline is a collation of personal research. I hope it offers you value, but I always encourage making something your own.
The Takeaway
The general and convenient ‘Great Outdoors’ ideal fails to whitewash the catastrophic ramifications of our collective disrespect to global ecology. We all take nature for granted, perhaps with the exception of hermitage-dwellers in scattered areas of nowhere. This accusation includes those of you who regard your Prius as a self-righteous trophy of environmental responsibility. Sorry. If you were in a room with hundreds of other people, wouldn’t you prefer social harmony to unrest? Now think of those beings as unique objects of nature. Shinrin-yoku takes us closer to a better world, one breath and branch at a time.
References
- National Geographic Magazine|Call to the Wild: This Is Your Brain on Nature by Florence Williams
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health|Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review by Margaret M. Hansen, Reo Jones, and Kirsten Tocchini
