What is Shinrin-yoku? In Japanese it means "forest bathing," or immersing oneself in the atmosphere of nature. The Japanese coined the term in the 1980s, but really, going to the land is an ancient practice embraced by cultures throughout history for healing and insights. 

It is not a hike (no cardio!). Nor is it a naturalist walk filled with facts and data, nor psychological therapy nor even mindfulness.

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It is meditative. It is a slowing down and experiential noticing, your senses fully activated to drop you into a state of just beingness. 

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Time in nature increases our creativity and focus, and softens rumination, anxiety and depression. 

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It is also healing, with plentiful evidence-based research documenting the positive health benefits: lowered pulse rate and blood pressure, decreased stress hormones, increased Natural Killer cell response, improved immune function—and more. 

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The positive effects last several days. 

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The forest is the therapist. Nature provides the medicine each of us needs. The guide opens the door. 

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