FOREST BATHING

In the 1980 a term Shinrin-yoku was developed in Japan, this term means "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing."  This became the primary preventative healthcare in Japan.  Studies have shown that the human body relaxes, calms and becomes robust after spending time under a canopy of trees.

Intuitively we all know the magic of nature on our bodies, it is a knowing and something hard to put into words.  But now science has caught up with studies that shows the benefits of being in nature.

Our bodies respond to trees and nature because we were forest dwellers a lot longer then city dwellers.  Our body has been wired to feel nature and to breathe with the flow of a forests life.  Living and sitting in our "city" lives has created a disconnect to our natural world, our bodies and our spirit hence causing a lacking in what our body, mind and spirit needs to feel whole and calm.  We all need more nature time!  Even having house plants helps our bodies relax, all my life I have filled every room with a happy green friend and I think that something deep inside me knew this.

As we head into the holiday busy season, make a commitment to forest bath. Just simply walk leisurely and listen to the birds, breathe in the air, watch the leave move, sip a cup of tea and just simply relax because your only reason for being there is to just "be" not do.

Enjoy and find your peace my friends!

  Here is a list of some benefits

The scientifically-proven benefits of Shinrin-yoku include:

• Boosted immune system functioning, with an increase in the count of the body's Natural Killer (NK) cells.
• Reduced blood pressure
• Reduced stress
• Improved mood
• Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
• Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
• Increased energy level
• Improved sleep

Just as impressive are the results that we are experiencing as we make this part of our regular practice:

• Deeper and clearer intuition
• Increased flow of energy
• Increased capacity to communicate with the land and its species
• Increased flow of eros/life force
• Deepening of friendships
• Overall increase in sense of happiness