Listen to the wind and taste the air, the practice is said to reduce stress levels, boost moods, and improve overall health.
What is Shinrin-yoku?
The Japanese tradition of Shinrin-yoku or 'forest bathing' can be traced back several centuries, but the term was popularlised in the 1980's. It refers to slowing down and spending mindful time in nature. Gentle and meditative, the practice is seen as an antidote to the stresses of modern living.
The idea is to walk at a leisurely pace, discover the smells of nature, or observe the natural world in silence. Listen to the wind and taste the air, the practice is said to reduce stress levels, boost moods, and improve overall health.
Make sure you have left your phone and camera behind. You are going to be walking aimlessly and slowly. You don’t need any devices. Let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take you. Follow your nose. And take your time. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get anywhere. You are not going anywhere. You are savouring the sounds, smells and sights of nature and letting the forest in.
Numerous studies show that exercising in forests, or simply sitting and looking at trees, reduces blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenalin.
Looking at nature’s patterns helps us to stop thoughts spinning in the head. There is a sense of complete presence, of being in the moment. Combining elements of mindfulness, meditation and forest therapy, mindful forest bathing can bring peace, relaxation and a sense of connection with the natural world. Take the time to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature and all its elements - birdsong, wind in the leaves, the scent of damp earth, and the sunlight filtering through the trees. This can be incredibly healing and restorative.
Numerous studies show that exercising in forests, or simply sitting and looking at trees, reduces blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenalin. Since stress inhibits the immune system, the immune-enhancing effects of being in the forest, surrounded by green, are further magnified. And because of this, forest-bathing can have a strong positive impact on health.
It’s also been found that the smells of trees and plants during forest bathing, when inhaled through nose breathing, influence activities of the parasympathetic nervous system, which induces relaxation and lowers the heart rate.
This is part of the opening of Day 2 of the ACTion Lab. A chance to open the day working in nature and start your day with a calm mind, ready to then get creative and work through innovative and creative ideas to move your business forward.
When we learn to appreciate nature it can be quite healing and restorative. Just one of the foundational opportunities as part of your stay. A chance to slow down and be present - listening to the wind and tasting the air on your way to acting in the way that brings the right focus into your project.
Keen on a visit to the ACTion lab?
Check out the opportunity to sign up today here.
