When was the last time you bathed in the forest? I'm not referring to the cooling shower you might take under a tropical waterfall, nor skinny-dipping in a billabong under the shade of a Coolabah tree. Forest bathing, also known as "taking in the forest" or "Shinrin-yoku", is the name given to the experience of finding happiness and wellbeing in nature. The concept is an initiative of the Forest Agency of Japan, and was introduced by the Japanese government in 1982. Field studies, involving a series of physiological experiments and surveys, were initially carried out on a biosphere reserve on the island of Yakushima. The area is said to be rich in flora, with massed forests of ancient cedar and conifer trees among the 2,000 or so plant species. Preliminary findings were published by the scientists in the 1990s, when it was found that "forest-air bathing and walking effectively decreases blood glucose levels in diabetic patients". Since then, research has indicated that spending time in a forest environment "has been linked with decreased cortisol, lowered blood pressure, and improved heart rate variability", among other things. Further studies are underway, and of course there are numerous questions still to be answered, but there is no doubt that quietly walking through green space is good for body, mind and soul. Florence Williams, American author of a book titled The Nature Fix, says that spending time in nature can ward off depression, and offers a spiritual shortcut to calming down our nervous systems. In an interview on Blueprint for Living with ABC RN's Jonathan Green recently, Ms Williams pointed out that humans are adaptable creatures and we can live a happy life in an in urban environment, but we are not giving ourselves the rest, or the breaks, that our brains need. "Our bodies need to move and walk ... our brains can benefit from the episode of looking at a tree, feeling the breeze on your cheek, watching the water flow by, and listening to the birds, " she said. Sage advice methinks. Rather than joining a gym for the "pleasure" of walking on a treadmill, Peter and I enjoy taking advantage of the countryside surrounding our suburb. There are duck ponds and lakes that we can cycle around. There's also a magical, tree-lined track that leads past remnant pastoral properties, down an old country lane, which was once inhabited by the Ngunnawal people. The Aboriginals who lived here used the sacred red ochre pigment in the earth for their artwork and ceremonial rituals. Despite it being on the outskirts of our suburb in the city, we have found this "neck of the woods" to be a deeply spiritual place, perfect for long, contemplative walks. And Shinrin-yoku. Over to you now, dear readers. Are you familiar with Shinrin-yoku? Do you find you feel better after spending time in the forest or green space? Is there such a special place close to where you live?
17 Comments
Peter
6/4/2017 06:04:47 am
That is one heck of a good walk!
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Lizzy
6/4/2017 05:54:54 pm
It is indeed! I'm glad we went that extra distance yesterday.
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6/4/2017 11:01:42 am
I feel better after I've been outside for a bit, either in an urban or exurban area. Although I agree, there's something about a forest or uninhabited plains that's particularly soothing. Good read -- thanks.
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Lizzy
6/4/2017 05:55:15 pm
Thanks so much, John.
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6/4/2017 02:02:01 pm
Love our walks, except on ours we contemplate the seaside not the forest :-)
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Lizzy
6/4/2017 05:55:44 pm
And that is said to be just as health-giving! : )
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Andrea Butler
6/4/2017 04:37:47 pm
I found myself reflecting on the concept, and have realised that walking and being surrounded by the countryside is a part of who I am. Thank you for reminding me of a part of me that has sadly been lacking of late , time out explore, time to heal, and time to get back to nature xxx
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Lizzy
6/4/2017 05:56:10 pm
Enjoy xxx
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Judy
6/4/2017 05:56:29 pm
So lovely.
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Lizzy
6/4/2017 05:56:47 pm
Thank you, sis xx
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6/4/2017 10:51:49 pm
Beach or forest - both excellent feel good places. Waves or waterfalls, green trees with blue skies poking through the foliage, hidden bush orchids spotted in the undergrowth, or colourful fungi on the far side of a tree - magical. Waves gently rolling in, dolphins spotted rounding up their dinner, cormorants diving beneath the waves for their breakfast - for me there's no better entertainment. Connecting with nature away from shopping centres and commercial enterprises, nothing beats it for restoring equilibrium.
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6/4/2017 11:52:22 pm
What an interesting read Liz. We live at the foot of the largest biosphere in the world and I should walk through it more often.
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Eha
7/4/2017 12:46:48 am
*smile* Since I have a park on two sides of my cottage and live on the edge of a national park, I am fully aware that walking in such surrounds beats just about any pill or potion in a bottle . . . . the worst daily happening somehow becomes possible to bear . . . Gyms: you have to be joking :) !! Lovely photos and plentiful wisdom here . . .
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12/4/2017 05:52:15 am
I'm so glad you have spaces like this near you, Liz. :-) This is why I love our farm so much. The healing spaces are just outside my door. xo
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15/4/2017 12:06:42 am
I find it super rejuvenating if I am able to walk in a rain forest often, the greenery and beautiful fresh air makes me feel alive, and almost like it cleanses the system. I used to have a lot of beautiful walks just minutes from my house and on my island, however they have gone for now. Being close to the ocean will have to do until my gorgeous green comes back. :)
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Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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