Forest bathing is becoming a big buzzword, but how do you actually do it? And is it BS? This is a short, accessible guide on how to create a personal practice of connecting to nature for the health benefits -- for humans AND for nature. The clear, accessible writing lays out what we know intuitively (and is backed up by science): being in nature is good for us. Clifford outlines the elements of practice and how to tune into the senses to connect to nature. There are step-by-step instructions on how to "forest bathe" and "invitations". I appreciate that the author separates forest bathing out from "spiritual" practices. It's a culturally/spiritually neutral book, so anyone could benefit from the practice, even if they're allergic to new-age hippie BS. There's a practical section on what to bring, how to find a guide (if you want one), and how to stay safe.
I teach and practice meditation, but I find forest bathing infinitely "easier". Rather than having to tune out my senses, I get to use, and dare I say, enjoy them! As someone who lives in an overstimulating urban environment, I appreciate a practice that lets me turn them back on -- which is apparently one of the big health benefits: improved attention and sensory regulation. (There are loads more; read the book!) Listening to the spring birds calling each other, watching the breeze carry the leaves in the canopy, sensing the squish of spring mud under my feet -- it just feels good and slows me down without me having to think about it so much. It's helped tons with my depression, anxiety, ADHD, Ehlers Danlo, neuroatypicalities, and sensory processing issues.
Also included is a somewhat radical notion: spending time in relationship with nature is a form of activism. It makes sense -- once you're out in nature, noticing the connections and the ecosystem, it's harder to feel separate from it. I've noticed I've been making little changes that are good for the environment without really thinking about it -- I'm just a little more aware of how my actions affect the world around me.
The best part of the book is that Clifford clearly has a deep relationship with and affection for the "more-than-human" world. It's inspiring. Highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a pretty easy way to unwind from modern life.
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From the Publisher
Forest Bathing also known as Forest Therapy or 'Shinrin Yoku'
Connect with nature in a healing way
The Medicine of Being in the Forest
All over the world people are taking up forest bathing to reconnect to nature and to find relief from the everyday stresses of life.
The benefits of forest bathing:
- Simple relaxation
- Stress Reduction
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Emotional health
- Self Awareness
- Social connection
- Spiritual Practice
- Mindfulness (meditaiton)
- Sensory contact
- Connection with nature
- And more
What is forest bathing?
It's the practice of immersing yourself in nature to improve your well-being
Forest bathing opens the doors of our senses and fully engages us with the healing powers of nature. The methods of forest bathing bring our bodies and minds into a relaxed and quiet state, where we are fully aware of where we are and what we are experiencing in the present moment.
While we may not be able to get to a forest every week, most of us can find a garden, city park or way to incorporate at least some of the benefits of forest bathing into our lives, through simple ways of continually renewing and deepening our connections to the more-than-human world of nature.
Forest bathing can be an occasional event, but it is when we make it a regular practice that we realize its full benefits. Like many practices, it is easy to begin, but also like the most satisfying practices, there are layers of complexity and delight in forest bathing that reward us when we make it a regular part of our lives.
- "The Forest is the Therapist. The Guide Opens the Doors."-- M. Amos Clifford
- "Forest bathing suggests to me a more casual experience among the trees, unburdened by expectations, oriented to simple pleasure."-- M. Amos Clifford
A leading voice for Shinrin-Yoku-inspired Forest Therapy in the United States
A Note from the Author
You carry a forest inside you. It is a mirror within of the great forests of the world. This book is an invitation to bring those inner and outer forests together.
Forest bathing is a practice that belongs in each person’s palette of self-care strategies. It is also a powerful path of activism for those who are called to help heal the broken relationships between people and the more-than-human world. Humans are not separate from nature and have no free pass to escape the effects of the traumas we inflict upon it. Healing of people and forests happens together, or not at all. The medicine that brings healing is in the relationship. Forest bathing is a potent tool in this supremely important work.
Amos Clifford, M.A is the founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs with with the mission of integrating Forest Therapy into health care systems. The Association is now the leading global provider of Forest Therapy Guide training and expertise. Amos and his team have trained Forest Therapy Guides in 22 countries on 6 continents. Their work has been featured in Oprah Magazine, NPR Morning Edition, USA Today, the Washington Post, Yahoo Health, Yoga Journal, and many other publications. He was featured on the January 2016 episode of National Geographic Explorer, 'Call of the Wild.'
A student of Buddhist philosophy for over 20 years, Amos founded Sky Creek Dharma Center in Chico, California, where he emphasized the importance of meditation practice in wild places. Amos is also widely known for his work in restorative justice. He is founder of the Center for Restorative Process, where he has led the inquiry into how the principles of restorative justice can inform ways to heal the broken relationships between humans and the more-than-human world of nature.
Forest Bathing is your own personal forest therapy guide
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Overview of forest bathing and the many healing benefits |
Learn different elements with step by step guided activities |
Sample forest invitations and what the experience can reveal |
Practical tips, safety guidelines and additional resources |
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