It has now been well established that time in nature can be good for the mind, body and soul. Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life.  It also suggests that rather than focusing on going to remote or rural locations, people can tune in and connect with nature every day closer to home. This might include buying some plants for your living space, or taking a stroll in a local park.

The Power of Trees

Trees have appeared as powerful and spiritual symbols throughout history; for example Yggdrasil was an ancient ash tree believed to have special powers that connected the nine realms of mortals, giants and elves in the Norse cosmos, and housed a number of magical creatures. 

In other cultures, including Shamanism, it’s sometimes referred to as Vilagfa, meaning ‘world tree’, used as a ladder to ascend to the heavens. It is also said, some famous people also came up with their best ideas under trees: Buddha reached enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, Plato and Aristotle used to sit amongst olive groves, and of course the famous story of Newton’s theory of gravity places him sat under a tree. We have therefore long known why trees matter and some traditions still revere them to this day. 

As well as the oxygen they supply, trees can be a source of medicine (like Tea Tree Oil and Aspirin) as well as offer benefits for our mental health. 

In one study, 71% of people who took part in a nature walk found that it eased symptoms of depression, and in another by Terry Hartig, participants who walked through a nature reserve for 40 minutes, reported feeling less angry and more positive.  The research also suggests that just being ‘exposed’ to sounds of nature, people might recover more quickly than those who lived/worked near the sound of traffic; similarly, even just smelling nature can help improve a person’s mood.

One study from Roger Ulrich showed that patients recovering in intensive care had a reduction in anxiety and the need for pain medication when shown pictures of nature and water. 

Some studies also suggest that children that live near a green space can be more attentive and less ‘reactive’, as well as workspaces that have flowers or plants see more productivity, creativity and problem solving.

What is Shinrin Yoku? 

The focus of Shinrin Yoku is connection and relationships.  The term is believed to have been first coined by Tomohide Akiyama, which linked visits to the forest with health and wellness.  Although not a ‘new’ past-time, it’s become more popular in recent years.  It’s also known as ‘forest / tree bathing (Shinrin = forest, Yoku = bath).

Shinrin Yoku is not about accomplishing anything, so try not to think of this as something to be achieved.  It’s also important to think of the forest is the partner in the activity, not the setting of it. You could:

• Make it a sensory experience – take in the sights, sounds, smells and touch of the area
• Allow plenty of time for forest bathing; it can take 2 – 4 hours, but doesn’t need to be walking miles, 1/4 to 1/2 mile is fine;
• The main purpose is ‘down time’ with a “meditative feel”. It is not a work out;
• Give something to the forest as a thank you – e.g. pick up some litter, sing, don’t rush;
• You could end the practice with tea and snacks (clearing up after you).

You don’t have to do this activity with others, trees are our friends too. If you do decide to take people with you, make sure they’re on the same page – displaying reverence and respect for these magical parts of nature.

There are many ways we can experience peace and tranquility in nature; nature therapy can include gardening, sitting by a waterfall as well as enjoying time with trees. in his book, Shinrin Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing, Dr Qing Li offers many ways we can appreciate and benefit from time with trees.

Above all, Shinrin Yoku offers a beautiful way to ‘be’ in our hectic world as well as potentially enhancing our spiritual intelligence; mindfulness among the trees can provide benefits for our physical, mental and spiritual health including better sleep and relaxation. Perhaps you could plan some time this weekend, to take part in this type of activity and see how it works for you.

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Delphi is the author of Answers In The Dark: Grief, Sleep and How Dreams Can Help You Heal, out now on Amazon and Hive.  You might also like Monday Mojo™. The Helping You Sparkle™ magazine is part of the Helping You Sparkle™ portfolio. References to third parties does not endorse their content. Please read these policies for details. 

© Delphi Ellis 2024 – please note this content may also appear elsewhere as promotional material for Answers In The Dark.