WHEN I AM AMONG THE TREES
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile".
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,“
and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
–Mary Oliver
Recently the EnableWorks team were treated to a Forest Bathing experience in Hagley Park. Forest WHAT? I hear you ask. Be assured everyone stayed well covered, and very dry, even while getting close to nature.
“Forest bathing” is a self-care activity involving slowing down and spending time focusing one’s attention and senses in a garden, forest or reserve as a way of finding relief from the everyday stresses of life. Forest bathing as an organised practice, originated in Japan in the 1980’s where it is known as Shinrin Yoku. Since then, extensive research has demonstrated that forest bathing can have a profound impact on human health conditions such as depression and anxiety disorder, diabetes mellitus, ADHD, various infectious diseases, cancer, healing from surgery, cardiovascular disease, migraines, respiratory disease and others.1.
These health benefits are understood to be the result of being exposed to a number of forest elements including:
· Chemicals (phytoncides and terpenes) released by trees which activate our immune systems and cancer fighting abilities
· High concentration of oxygen which creates a sense of vitality, clarity and calmness.
· Exposure to green which has the most calming effect of all the colours.
· The existence of fractals or patterns which elicit feelings comfort, belonging and positive emotion
· The relaxing influence of the sounds of birds, trees moving in the breeze and that of running water.
It goes without saying that stepping outside into a beautiful, cool, green space; slowing down, tuning into the here and now and appreciating the beauty of nature is sure to do our bodies and minds wonders. While anyone can go and bathe in the forest and benefit from 20 minutes, 2 hours or 2 days of being in the green, for newcomers, a guided session or 2 is helpful to learn how to “tune into the forest”.
A typical forest bathing session will teach you some basic tips such as:
· Waking up all your senses
· Activating your deep, abdominal breathing so you can fully relax
· Managing your busy mind so you can be in the moment
· Paying attention to your own body and mind’s response to the experience
A guide or facilitator with then lead you through some “invitations” which will enable you to fully connect with the forest in a meaningful, fun and beneficial way.
How about adding some forest bathing to your self-care tool kit, or that of your work team?
Catherine Fink is an Occupational Therapist with a special interest in nature therapy who guided the EnableWorks team in their forest bathing experience. Catherine can curate a just right forest bathing experience for you or your team. If you’ve got people at work who are stressed, tired or a bit jaded, how about a forest bathing experience with Catherine? Contact EnableWorks for more information on info@enableworks.co.nz
Reference. 1. Clifford, M A. 2021. Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature. Red Wheel Books. USA.
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