Recently, while
reading the newspaper, I came across an article called “Finding A Balance,” by
Meredith Newman, from the Delaware News Journal, reprinted in our local
Democrat and Chronicle. The bi-line read, “Try gratitude journals, meal prep
and forest bathing.”
I know about gratitude journals and prepping for meals. (I
love to make soup, and it seems to sooth the soul as well as warm the
heart.) However, I had never heard of
the term forest bathing.
What came to my mind, was sitting in a tub in the middle of
a forest, bathing. I could not resist
illustrating this in the form of a bookmark—something I have recently begun to
do as a means of art journaling—for me, an optional meditation technique. The bookmarks are quick to make, and handy in
using in the various books and journals which were the impetus in sparking my creative
muse—the one you see here.
Now what about this thing called Forest Bathing?
“Forest bathing,” says Meredith Newman, “is a Japanese practice in which one immerses themselves in nature,
[and] has become a common stress-relief activity.” She continues saying
that when people go on hikes they remove themselves from the noise and traffic
of urban life. Often people will do
forest bathing midweek, so as to get themselves through the work-week with less
accumulated stress.
Studies show shinrin-yoku, also known as forest
bathing or time spent in green spaces, can reduce the stress hormone cortisol
and increase your immune defense system. (Your Brain on Nature, By Eva Selhub and Alan Logan). https://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/herbal-remedies/forest-bathing-ze0z1301zgar
As someone who has forest bathed many times in the spring, summer
and fall, I am not fond of cold, freezing weather, and I am not especially drawn
to forest bathing in the winter months.
Instead, you will find me bathing at home in a warmer-than-it-should-be
soaker tub with bath oils of eucalyptus and arnica. And, as we are about to experience our third
nor’easter winter storm, I am about to forest bathe once again, in my own
little neck of the woods. I highly
recommend to you this optional form of meditation. One of which a bookmark, as of yet, has not
been created.
