Desert Dwellers of Eastern WA Should Try ‘Forest Bathing’

The term 'forest bathing' drums up thoughts of a portable hot tub while camping, fresh hot springs in a stream or a bath in a mountain lake.

While all of those sound lovely, Forest Bathing is something quite different.

People feel healthier when they connect with nature

Get our free mobile app

Forest Bathing, originally known as shinrin-yoku, was coined in Japan in the 1980s as a preventive healthcare practice to combat stress, insomnia, depression, and more.

Also known as forest therapy or nature bathing, this activity is a way to slow down and connect with each of your senses. What you see, hear, smell, and feel is an entirely different experience when you let everything happening in a refreshing green space wash over you.

Shinrin-yoku can go deeper than just looking at beautiful trees. The practice draws on three distinct concepts of Japanese culture:

• Yūgen: An awareness of the beauty of the world that cannot be expressed through words. Letting yourself be in awe of the forest is a way of practicing yūgen.
• Komorebi: An appreciation of the interplay of the sun and the forest—specifically, the way the sunlight leaks through the forest canopy.
• Wabi-sabi: A recognition of the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. Notice how even a tree that’s damaged or otherwise imperfect still has its allure.

I don't know if I've talked to anyone recently who hasn't shared how tired or overwhelmed they feel.

What have we done to ourselves in modern culture that keeps us feeling like we don't have the 'bandwidth' to take on the daily chores, tasks, work, and family obligations we have on our plate?

No wonder I love being up in the mountains so much. It's no secret, I've never been a good sleeper except in the mountains!

Nature is good for the soul. If you're feeling down, exhausted, and unmotivated maybe it's time for Forest bathing.

How can people who live in the desert do Forest bathing?

The concept is more than just a nature walk. It's about being present and connecting with the earth with all your senses. This practice clears the mind and rests the nervous system.

This may be why I enjoy hiking or horse riding so much. Nature in itself is rejuvenating.

But really taking in all that nature has to fill your senses with can be done in the forest or the desert. Find a place you think is beautiful and enjoy.

If you want to learn more about Forest bathing, there are books available.

Hit me up on 98.3 The Key Mobile App and let me know if it works for you!