Origin: a Latin derivative
meaning "Gift of the Earth."
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Shinrin-Yoku: How to Forest Bathe
Shinrin-Yoku is a Japanese concept meaning “forest bathing.” Put simply, it is the practice of walking through the
forest without a specific destination in mind, "bathing” oneself in its atmosphere, and connecting with the essence
of
the forest. In Japan, shinrin-yoku is widely recognized as an important way to disconnect from technology and return
oneself to a state of general well-being.
How to Forest Bathe
While shinrin-yoku may be easy to define, you may still be wondering: what does the experience look like for me? Luckily, shinrin-yoku can be a very simple activity. All it requires is finding a quiet spot of nature to enjoy. However, these three simple steps can help you get the most from your personal forest bathing practice.
Step 1: Disengage from your daily routine
First, find some area of untouched nature to spend some time in. It doesn’t have to be a dense forest; it just needs to be somewhere quiet and green that takes you away from your daily routine.
You might choose a favourite tree in your neighborhood, a small park stream, or a branch of a nearby hiking trail. While there, silence your phone or leave it behind so it doesn’t disrupt your time with texts, calls, emails, or media distractions. All these things will still be there when you return. For now, just take a breath and disengage your thoughts from the demands of technology.
Step 2: Breathe deeply and take time to connect with nature using your five senses
The second step is breathing deeply and taking time to interact with nature. Begin by taking a few slow, deep breaths and observing the simple wonder around you.
Be present in your space and focus on your senses. Listen to the singing birds, running water, or the rustle of the breeze. Watch the clouds move in the sky, study unique patterns in the tree bark, or observe the activity of bees and insects. Don’t forget to connect through touch. Rest your bare feet in the soil, water, or grass. Pick up a stone or a stick and explore the natural surface with your fingertips. This is a time to feel, rather than a time to think.
Step 3: Transition back to daily life
Finally, you’ll slowly transition back to your normal life. Take your time. This part of forest bathing involves being intentional about what you’ll take back with you from your time in nature.
You left several things behind before your forest bath—distractions, worries, to-dos. Do these things seem as important as when you set them down? Perhaps there are a few that you’ll decide not to pick up again. As you make the steady transition back into your daily routines, remember the peace you felt while in nature and consider ways that you can invite that same feeling into your everyday activities.
Shinrin-Yoku Blend
There are times when your schedule doesn’t allow you to spend as much time near nature as you’d like. Or, perhaps you may not live close enough to a forest or natural area to visit often. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean you have to go without the enriching benefits of shinrin-yoku.
Shinrin-Yoku™ essential oil blend brings the rejuvenating essence of lush forests right into your home. Researched and crafted with utmost care, Shinrin-Yoku harmoniously blends distilled Lemon, Magnolia leaf, Patchouli, Siberian Fir, Cypress, Hinoki, Grapefruit, Lavandin, Cardamom, Geranium, and Lemon Petitgrain. These oils were selected for their content of naturally occurring compounds called terpenes, which are specifically associated with the benefits of forest bathing.
Shinrin-Yoku blend is available in a 15 mL bottle and can be used both aromatically and topically. Bring the aroma of Shinrin-Yoku into your living space to create a sanctuary of calmness and tranquility wherever and whenever you need.
