How Forest Bathing Heals You + Guided Meditation Video

Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto

One of the most underrated forms of healing is… just outside our homes. Highly regarded by the Japanese, shinrin-yoku or forest bathing restores energy to urban burnout by taking in the atmosphere of our natural surroundings. There are many scientific studies, like this one, on the plausible mechanisms to boost health that I encourage you to read if interested.

Some Benefits Include:

• Eases inflammation and grounds your body, resetting your systems
• Helps with chronic stress conditions: Multiple Sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia (anyone who feels a “great loss” in life
• Reduces pain, lowers stress and blood pressure
  
• Resets circadian rhythms for naturally better sleep
  
• Lowering depression levels
  
• Boost activity of natural killer cells to fight off infections and cancer
  
• Inspires creativity and improves cognition (especially unplugging from electronic devices)
  
  

Forest Bathing as a Sensory Healing Therapy

Who can feel stress with a quiet atmosphere, fresh, crispy air and a gorgeous landscape? Forest bathing isn’t simply hiking, you are slowing down to contemplate and becoming mindful with each step. You are being encouraged to absorb the forest with all your senses. Could you focus on the river running freely? How about feel the soil underneath your feet? What does the fresh dew smell like? When you absorb your consciousness of the forest in a meaningful way, you develop a deeper relationship with your inner selves. If you walk with others, the bond between everyone becomes stronger and more connected. The environment of the forest shapes you to take your time, to breathe and be calm, and to inspire a greater sense of well-being.

How to Forest Bathe

Plan where you want to visit. Leave your phone and other electronic devices at home. Take your time in slowing down as you allow yourself to wander through the forest, resting at spots that call to you. Use all your senses to explore and connect with your breathe and movement, and soon you will feel how forest bathing and nature are powerful to our souls.

Sometimes forest bathing can be guided with a forest therapy specialist who makes a plan. I am not a forest therapist, but I have created a forest bathing meditation for your enjoyment:

8 Minute Guided Forest Bathing Meditation for Inner Focus and Relaxation