Have you ever heard of forest bathing?
The idea of forest bathing originated in Japan as the art of shinrin-yoku,
Meaning to bathe in the forest.
This practice is the experience of taking in the forest atmosphere.
It has been extensively researched and the benefits are monumental for physical,
Mental and emotional well-being.
Forest bathing is a form of mindfulness in the outdoors.
It is slowing down and soaking up the forest through all of your senses.
Feeling the forest with your bare feet can help you feel grounded.
Smelling and breathing in the forest air can leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Listening to the forest sounds provides a calming effect for your mind and body.
All of these things and more are what you will take away from a forest bathing experience.
Now you don't have to be in an actual forest.
Any natural wooded area will do.
It could be a park or your backyard.
The important thing is that you are able to experience nature mindfully with all of your senses and without distraction.
In the traditional practice of shinrin-yoku in Japan,
They end with a tea ceremony where a special tea is made from the forest plants.
This obviously takes some special knowledge of plants,
But maybe instead you could bring a thermos of hot water,
A cup and your favorite herbal tea to enjoy in the outdoors.
I hope that you will consider practicing forest bathing as often as you can.
For now,
Let's imagine we are forest bathing and do a forest bathing visualization meditation.
Let's begin by sitting comfortably with good posture.
Close your eyes and breathe deeply for a few minutes.
As you inhale,
Imagine the scent of pine trees,
Dirt and grass with a faint hint of honeysuckle blossoms.
As you exhale,
Relax your body and imagine that you are sitting on the forest floor with your back against a tree trunk.
Feel the ground beneath you and press your body firmly into it.
Now spend a few minutes listening to the sounds.
Focus in on each individual sound.
What can you hear?
Imagine that a cool breeze blows through the trees and you can feel it on your face as you also feel fallen leaves brush up against your arms.
Through your closed eyes,
You can see the glow of the afternoon sun.
You can also feel its warmth on your skin as the breeze dies down.
Your whole body is bathed in the golden glow of the sun and the fresh forest air.
Again,
You feel the ground beneath you.
Maybe it's bumpy.
Maybe you are sitting on a rock or a tree root.
You feel connected to nature,
To the universe.
You begin to breathe deeply once again and focus on how the air feels as it enters your nostrils.
You feel your body tingling with the energy of the earth.
You hold on to that feeling as you sit and listen.
Now slowly open your eyes and come back to the present moment.
But try to hold on to that earth energy,
That refreshing forest feeling.
Take it with you throughout your day and if you get a chance,
Spend some time mindfully outside today.
Have a beautiful day.
Thank you for joining me for this meditation.
