Studies show that most people spend 93% of their time indoors or in cars, averaging 12 hours a weeks outside. The Japanese have come up with a program called “Forest Bathing” in which individuals immerse themselves in natural environments. Sound, smells, the air and temperatures, colors and textures are observed and appreciated. The idea is to be totally in the present moment and hopefully at peace.
No goals are set and there is to be no digital distractions. Wandering and childlike discovery are encouraged.
A recent CBS report said that Forest Bathing increases cardiovascular healing, cognitive function, creativity, and concentration while reducing inflammation, depression, and anger. If done in solitude and silence, studies showed that the positive effects can last for up to a week.
If you are not fortunate enough to live in or near a forest just leave your cell phone behind and find a quiet place in the desert or a park or anyplace you can get away from the noise of the world and find those things in nature that are real. We all need more peace.
Copyright 2018 @The Autonomous Traveler
The Autonomous Traveler 
Working in my yard does that too…It is physically exhausting, but soothing to the soul.
Chris
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Another take on beng in nature!
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Amen sister!!
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I love your photos. I agree, there’s a peace in the woods that you can find nowhere else, except your garden .
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Thanks, Paula!
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Forest Bathing… quite a moce concept that I too discover long time ago in my youth… before cell phones, computers,social medias, Live/Reality TV, Netflix to lull our senses… In my life retired life, it’s garden bathing, nature bathing practically daily in my garden or the golf course. There may be city noises but the mind can be relective and only feasts itself on the view at hand. The flutter of butterflies, buzzing of bees, annoyance of mosquitoes, the quacking of new ducklings, the immobility of the majectic blue heron on the pond, the chirping of squirrels requesting yet more peanuts, Jeffrey running after the odd chipmonk brave enough to venture across the yard… all these I truly love to appreciate every day and thank God for the good life.
Yes, nature bathing is good for the soul! Manaste🙏🌷🌺
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Love your comment. Thanks, Michelle.
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Yes, I’ve read about forest bathing, I completely understand this philosophy. Nothing compares to time in the woods. The brilliance of the Japanese culture has always led to calm, tranquil lifestyles. Great article Joyce.
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Thank goodness we have this outlet in this crazy world. Reading a lot now about the antebellum era and the great thinkers like Emerson and Thoreau. They understood. During this era people embraced the fact that everything in nature and the world is connected. “Injustice for one is injustice for all.” In the peace of silence they created positive ideals.
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