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| Walking through the Forest, Friends Share Forest Bathing |
When you walk through a forest you
are not just looking at trees. Forests
are an ecosystem in and of themselves. They are full of life, from the earthy
smell of leaf litter, green moss and mushrooms, insects that fly or crawl, to
wildlife like birds and squirrels that make their homes in the forest.
Observing the interconnectedness of the forest, we can submerge ourselves and
realize that we, too, are part of the natural world. We are one with Nature already, but we have forgotten. Walking in a forest gives us a way to reconnect.
The
Japanese recognized the importance of forest walks for healing both our bodies
and our spirits. Called Shinrin Yoku, or Forest Therapy, forest bathing simply
means taking in the atmosphere of the forest for its healing benefits. Some of
the health benefits of Forest Bathing include boosting immunity, improving
mental clarity, and decreasing anxiety.
Much has been written on the benefits
of spending time quietly under the canopy of a living forest since Shinrin-Yoku
Forest Medicine was developed. Thanks in part to the Association of Nature and
Forest Bathers, people all over the world are now experiencing the health and
spiritual benefits that time in Nature provides.
But you don’t have to travel the world over to experience
the spirits of the trees and reconnect with Nature. It is possible to walk in a
forest right here in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Arcadia, for example,
offers walks through the grounds with a certified Forest Bather to guide
you. Certified by the Association of
Nature and Forest Bathers (ANFB), the spiritual guides are trained in the
ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku.
This Spring, there are ongoing
2-hour Saturday walks through the forests of the Arboretum with a spirit leader
to guide you. Valentine’s
day is coming. Why not celebrate your relationship with your partner by
bringing him or her to the forest for an intimate spiritual reboot~
Visit: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden (www.arboretum.org)
Visit: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden (www.arboretum.org)
