Shinrin-Yoku aka Forest Bathing
Rumi, a 13th century Persian poet, once wrote: “Be melting snow. Wash yourself of yourself”. This quote has been sort of a guiding light in my spiritual practice and on my journey towards discovering my true self. My yoga and meditation practice has largely been based on clearing the fog created by my mind. Well, who knew that trees could help with that (not to mention they’re pretty good at it too)!
What is Shinrin-Yoku?
Shinrin-Yoku in Japanese means forest bathing. It is a contemplative (but also physically active!) practice based on the healing effects of nature, most notably trees. I have, practically all my life, although unbeknownst to me, instinctively sought out nature when times get rough. Forest bathing puts it all into context: Nature heals. It’s as simple as that, and the body knows it.
Why a group forest bath?
Going into nature alone is quite a different experience than going with a group. I recently joined an all-day forest bathing excursion in Fontainebleau, south of Paris. Our guide Christopher Le Coq took me and 6 other fellow forest bathers into the forest for a whole day of reconnecting with nature. The group dynamics and the exchanges/activities we were invited to participate in made the experience much more enriching than when I venture out into the woods alone. At times, we were invited to share just a single word about one of the experiences. I often found myself amazed at the power of that single word. No need for longer explanations. It simply resonated, and not just with me, but with all of us. And that’s when you realize: we are all connected. Humans, trees and nature alike.
What exactly do you do?
Well, I don’t want to spoil the experience for anyone who is interested in going on a forest bathing trip, but I will say that there is time for everything: walking, contemplation, group exchanges, creativity, fun, and a whole lot of awareness about nature— how intelligent it is and how it helps us heal when we slow down and pay attention. At one point, I had a silly grin on my face, and I couldn’t help it. I just wanted to smile. When the day is done and you return to the hustle and bustle of the busy city, you realize just how peaceful, calm and content you are.
Advocating for the rights of trees
But forest bathing is not just about us washing ourselves of ourselves. It’s more importantly about the trees. So, let’s be nice to the trees. Let’s notice them, say hello to them, thank them and appreciate them. They are Earthlings, just like us.
Now, if I had to explain my forest bathing experience in one word, what would that be?
Connection.
To book a forest bathing experience in the Paris region, visit:
https://www.lesbainsdeforet.fr/
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190911-what-would-happen-if-all-the-worlds-trees-disappeared
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/forest-bathing-nature-walk-health
