Shinrin Yoku

Shinrin Yoku,  森林浴, sometimes called "forest bathing", is a form of Action Meditation with roots in the Shinto tradition's respect for nature and the spirits residing in nature. The practice has been studied by therapeutic specialists in Japan since the 1980s and has demonstrable positive effects on both mind and body. The findings showed the beneficial health effects of the compounds, such as phytoncides, and of the essential oils that certain trees and plants emitted. 

I use this "Action Meditation" as part of a greater spiritual practice in pursuit of personal peace and enlightenment.

Practicing shinrin-yoku means spending time in nature, amongst the trees and grass, and mindfully engaging within a forest atmosphere or other natural environments. It is usually done by walking through a forest at a slow and gentle pace, without carrying any electronics, and taking the time to soak up the surrounding nature.

It involves using all five senses, and letting nature enter through those senses. Some examples of exercising this can include:

• Listening to forest sounds, i.e. birds and insects.
• Touching the ground, the trees, and the leaves.
• Smelling the flowers and other essential oils of the plants and trees.
• Observing the surroundings and scenery
• Tasting the crispiness of the air while breathing

Many experiments have hypothesized the positive effects of shinrin-yoku on the immune system. It was shown that shinrin-yoku was associated with increasing levels of natural killer (NK) cells, which are important in combating infection.

Shinrin-yoku is linked to a recharging of positive energy, higher energy levels, and a purification of negative thoughts. Breathing the air in a forest environment maximizes the intake of negative ions, which are invisible molecules in the air, that help to increase health, mood, mental clarity, cognitive functioning, and energy levels.

Participants of conducted studies were seen experiencing a decrease in pulse rate, blood pressure, and concentration of the stress hormone cortisol while walking through a forest for even just a few hours. The power of the essential oils emitted within plant life in forests can reduce stress with the decrease in cortisol concentration.