A mindful trend in harmony with nature

To spend time in nature and especially in the woods is good for our well-being – no one would doubt this statement. In Scotland doctors are allowed to prescribe hikes in the woods and for some time past the books of the forester Peter Wohlleben about “The confidential life of trees” are best-sellers in Germany. More and more often you read and hear about forest bathing. However, what is forest bathing, how does it work and how do trees affect us? We have spoken with Lara Keuthen: Lara writes for the sustainable online magazine Peppermynta and has recently finished her education as a forest bath trainer and gives you (and us) a deeper insight into the concept.

Green Pearls: “What is forest bathing exactly?”

Lara: “Forest bathing. Shinrin Yoku. This is Japanese and means basically »Dive into the forest air«. Forest bathing is a mindful, stress-reducing, light relaxation method which grounds us and connects us with our senses. Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling – in the everyday life we hardly use our senses without pursuing a purpose. Forest bathing is above all unintentional. What brings us within short time into our presence and in the here and now. Forests have a thousand of great characteristics benefiting our body, heart and soul. Many of the health-supporting effects are owed to the forest air. It contains so-called terpene, secondary plant materials that help the trees to communicate and keep away predators. These terpenes also communicate with our immune system and strengthen it traceably. The woods affect our nervous system positively and also our hormonal balance. Forest bathing lowers the pulse, blood pressure and reward us with relaxation within only 30 minutes.”

Green Pearls: “Why is forest bathing so special for you?”

Lara: “I love the forest from the bottom of my heart. It is a retreat and strength place. It is sensuous, honest, authentique. Forest bathing is a practice for which I do not need any previous knowledge, except openness and joy to discover new things. Forest bathing works simply and without a codex. Participants relax and enjoy the experience. For me forest bathing stands for a new respect for our regional woods. I wish that I can lead back people through forest bathing to reconnect with nature and make them understand the importance of our ecosystem.”

Green Pearls: “What is the difference between a slow walk and forest bathing?”

Lara: “When forest bathing, we stroll – this is even slower, than going for a walk because only then we feel and perceive our environment. Mostly we meet to talk, walk or do sports. Walk with a dog or children – or are aiming to cover a special distance. Nothing of that is done while forest bathing. Besides, a forest bath is spiked with mindful, breathing and creative exercises. As an instructor I am responsible for a protected space in the woods and pay attention – even if that only means that I take care of your backpack while you investigate barks. I think when you have taken part in some forest bath-sessions, you can also do it yourself.  At least it is my wish that the people carry out the practice without me.”

Thank you, Lara, for these insights!

Also, at some close to nature hotels you are invited to forest bathing which deepens the relaxation and you may take the experience back home. Here you can find out more. 🙂

On the German blogazine Peppermynta Lara writes about a sustainable lifestyle, as of lately she also offers forest bathing courses in the area of Hamburg. You can find more information about it on her website www.mimameid-waldbaden.de.

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