Maybe it’s time for the government to recommend that the general public practice Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese therapeutic practice that translates roughly as “taking in the forest atmosphere.” It’s been promoted as “forest bathing” by many enthusiasts and the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs.
These enthusiasts are advocating forest bathing to reduce stress, depression, and blood pressure; to enhance memory, and even as a potential cancer preventative. Scientific tests of varying reliability are being cited.
But those of us who regularly walk the woods alone don’t need catchy names and scientific tests for motivation. We know, as Wendell Berry said, that’s where we can “come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief ….” Peace of mind is in short supply these days. (Brooklin, Maine) The image was taken Wednesday, March 18; click on it to make it bigger.