Forest Bathing

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.