I am now a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. I am so excited!
So “What’s that?”, you ask?
Forest Bathing got its start in Japan in the 1980’s. During the tech boom, the country suffered declining health trends, evidenced by an increase in depression, heart disease, social withdrawal, and suicide rates (By the way, these trends are currently being experienced across the United States and in other nations today). As 70% of Japan is covered in forests, it wasn’t long before early pioneers, such as Drs. Qing Li, and Yoshifumi Miyazaki researched the benefits of mindful time spent in the forest. Their studies showed that the practice of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku as it is called in Japan, helped to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, stress, and aid sleep. The practice also helped to counter illnesses such as cancer and depression. One of the reasons for this positive benefit were chemicals called phytoncides. Phytoncides are emitted by trees to protect themselves. When humans breath these chemicals in, our bodies react by increasing its natural killer cells (NK cells) and, in turn, boosting immunity.
Forest bathing is now part of the health care system in Japan. I hope that someday soon the U.S. will follow suit. Physicians could prescribe forest therapy walks to help with the management and prevention of many ailments. The icing on the cake would be for guided walks to be covered by insurance companies.
The EPA estimates that Americans spend 93% of their day indoors.
We evolved in nature. We are nature. We are becoming increasingly disconnected to the very place we came from. Getting outdoors to the wilderness, local trails, nearby parks, or even your front or backyard is beneficial to your physical and mental health. We sit inside way too much. As a matter of fact, I’m going to go for a walk outside, then I will come back to finish this post.
Forest therapy is related to meditation, getting into nature, and being mindful…but it is a bit different. When I guide you into the forest, I will invite you to engage with your surroundings, with all of your senses, maybe even some senses you forgot you had.
It isn’t a hike or a nature walk. It isn’t about exercise at all. Many walks don’t even cover much ground. What I like about this is that this makes forest therapy very accessible to a variety of people. I have seen reports from walks for many different groups of people, like children, parents & children, seniors, corporate office groups, dog owners with their pups, bachelorette parties, etc.
While you are in the forest, engaging with your senses, you go through a journey; your own journey. My agenda is that I have no agenda. I merely open the doors and create an opportunity for you to have your own very unique experience. Because of that, no two walks will ever be the same. You could join a walk in the same location, with the same guide, and it will be different. You will be a different person on each of those days, and the forest will be different.
Our day-to-day lives are full of non-stop distraction. Workdays are filled with emails, phone calls, meetings, and getting the job done. At home, it’s constant to-do lists, errands, cleaning, child care, and if you’re lucky, the distraction of a book or TV before you hit the hay. You get the picture. On a forest therapy walk, I bring you to a place where you have the opportunity and permission to slow down. You can slow to a crawl or stop, and notice everything around you with more than just a hurried glance.
Another valuable result of forest therapy walks, is the connection to other people. During the walk, we practice listening to each other, without judgment. This is really important. In a world where we are relating to each other less and less in person, these walks do wonders for helping people to feel a sense of community. In addition, participants feel like part of the community of the natural world.
Everyone could benefit from forest therapy. It is beneficial to your health, and connects you to yourself, others, and the natural world. The result? You feel a greater sense of awareness, less stressed, and more grounded. As a result, you are most likely moved to take better care of yourself, others, and the natural world.
Ready to go on a walk? Reach out to me! My days in San Diego are limited. Soon I’ll be based in Bend, Oregon, leading walks there. No matter where you live, though, reach out. I may be able to put you in touch with a guide in your area.
Interested in becoming a guide yourself? Check out www.natureandforesttherapy.org