How to Practice Shinrin-Yoku

Always wanted to try Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing but didn't know how to go about it? Here's a handy guide from a practitioner who takes you on a soothing journey through the world of nature and trees.

Trees are often considered mere accessories to our surroundings, only noticed when they bloom or when we seek their shade within our concrete jungle. However, there is a lot more happening within these inanimate beings. Trees, regardless of their size, selflessly generate fresh energy by utilizing the elements in their surroundings, providing the entire microenvironment and its flora and fauna with vital resources for their survival. Unfortunately, in our pursuit of material gain, we tend to forget the importance of nature's gifts and the love it bestows upon us. One of the emerging exercises is the practice of Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing, which involves immersing ourselves in green spaces to rejuvenate our inner selves.

Let's explore what this process entails. The process of connecting with nature begins by finding a green space in a park, preferably with an unstructured design that allows for the flow of energy. Once a clearing between 10-15 trees is located, it's time to divest ourselves of material things like mobiles, purses, books, and if possible, footwear too. Sitting on the grass or soil, we touch the ground and breathe in the fresh smells of leaves, wetness of soil, roots, and flowers. Gradually, we let go of the city noises and become aware of the gentle rustling of the leaves, the chirping birds, marching ants, itinerant squirrels and lizards, and other creatures of nature. In this peaceful setting, we can easily dissolve into the ambience and feel connected to the natural world around us.

It can be difficult to leave the lap and comfort of Mother Earth, but once we rise to our feet, we can begin our exercise. We start by curling our toes into the earth and reaching our arms up towards the sky. Warming up our bodies with gentle movements, we walk slowly and deliberately, feeling the uneven terrain beneath our feet. We then take a mindless stroll around the trees, taking a moment to feel the bark, the roots, and the girth of the trunk. We repeat this for three rounds, pausing in the middle for a break between each round. Once we've completed our rounds, we take the time to choose a tree to explore further. We hug it, feel the bark on our faces and cheeks, and even place our ears against the trunk to feel the gentle movement of energy within. If it doesn't feel right, we move on to the next tree until we find one that connects with us. Spending at least 15 minutes with the chosen tree, we touch it, hug it, sit beneath it, and feel its vibrations and energy. We let our minds wander and imagine stories about the tree, or talk to the beings that make their home there, whether it be birds, insects, or simply the breeze and sunshine. We can even take home a book and sketch the tree, create a mandala with the fallen leaves, or come up with abstract designs. Slowly but surely, the tree connects with us and shares our energy.

As you prepare to leave this environment, why not take a moment to enjoy a warm cup of water or herbal tea with your group? It will have a unique taste as your senses are immersed in the green surroundings. The colour green, the scent of the earth, and the sensation of nature all connect to our souls. As John Muir once said, "Into the forest, I go to lose my mind and find my soul." 

You may wonder how to connect with nature if you don't have the time to spend two hours practising Shinrin-yoku. Simply find a nearby park with multiple trees and sit silently under a different tree each day of the week. Eventually, you'll find the bench or tree that you're most comfortable under. After sitting silently for at least 15 to 20 minutes, at least three days a week, for a month or so, you'll gradually begin to befriend the tree. It will talk to you, entering your senses through the air you breathe, and the breeze will gently caress your skin. The subtle energy of the tree will slowly change and calm you from within. This exercise has been proven and documented in pranic healing and reiki, among other practices. Give it a try! This divine, pure, and spiritual energy is freely available, but we often don't take the time to notice it.

Images courtesy: Pixabay

Good to know: The term Shinrin-yoku was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982. It’s defined as making contact with and taking in the atmosphere of the forest.

Have you tried Shinrin-Yoku? Share your experience with us in the comments below.