Forest Bathing for a Spiritual Reboot

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)

Resolutions Become Memories

Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois, October, 2017
Photo by Kathy Vilim

'Tis the time of year for Resolutions. Actually, by now all resolutions should be in place. I am not one to make resolutions usually, but last year Jan. 2017 I made a big one: I resolved to get back to Chicago to see my aging parents.  I hadn't been back for 10 years! Things get busy and time flies by. But I decided to make this happen! Guess what: my best memories of 2017 took place back on that vacation.

My happiest moment of 2017 and the scene that sticks in my mind is this one: Sitting in the car with my father, together listening to Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe", watching yellow autumn leaves blow across the driveway. Then, it starts to rain. Yellow leaves began sticking to the windshield. It was a heavenly moment with my father and all of my favorite things: Ravel, autumn leaves and rain!

Deciduous Forest of Illinois, Photo by Kathy Vilim

There were other happy moments on my vacation, as well, like looking out of my brother's patio door, and hearing the distinctive pitter patter of... is that rain? Yes! And it was the first rain I'd seen all year living now as I do in drought-stricken Southern California. The rain began softly but steadily and continued for hours, growing louder as time went on, bringing with it the familiar smell that told me I was back home in Illinois.

Then there was a walk through the woods, down a trail through a forest of deciduous trees with their yellow leaves. Ah, I thought, now THIS is familiar, not just visually, but the smell of the forest, the closeness of the trees on either side of the trail. The trail went on, turning this way and that, and I had no way of knowing where it led.  I just followed it, deep in thought, crunching leaves underfoot as I did so, with my father. 

I remember thinking to myself: My father is still with me! Here with me right now. After 10 years I am walking next to him and talking to him.  And it seemed as if it were just yesterday that I'd been with my mom & dad.  It was as if all those years away never existed. I thought I missed my aging parents, but at that moment I realized just how much.  And how much I missed the whole place, my home where I grew up in Illinois, and the prairies with their tall, swaying grass turning brown and golden.

Naperville River Walk, Photo by Kathy Vilim

Just now, I hear seagulls crying out, as if to say, "Don't forget us! You'll hear no more of us back there!" Chiding me. Yes, it's true, I do love to wake up to the sound of seagulls...

Yes, life happens while we are busy making other plans. So, if a visit to your aging parents is in order, I encourage you to make a Resolution to see them. I think you will be glad you did.

Happy New Year's Resolutions!