“Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods. Sleep in forgetfulness of all ill.”
– John Muir
When the forest is alive and the trees ooze in sap and vitality, my heart sings. My heart instantly feels calm when surrounded by lush green trees and why I simply love the rainy season in Costa Rica far more than the dry. My eternal struggle living in New Mexico and why Jemez Mountains is my reprieve and secret escape from the concrete jungle. No matter where I am, I seek green for solace and tranquility.
I have been called the “plant lady” by some because I am surrounded by potted plants in any home I live in. At one point I considered myself the orchid whisperer in the dry landscape of ABQ. Plants have always felt healing and necessary.
Why am I sharing all of this with you?
It’s August. It’s hot. Maybe there is mental agitation or exhaustion. Last month, the entire Northern Hemisphere experience record-breaking heat.
When hot we seek shade. Sitting under the tree on a hot summer day with a cool breeze and green grass is often just what the Doctor recommends. At least in Ayurveda. But of course, modern science agrees!
Before we had the comforts of air conditioning or fans, the only way to keep cool was to retreat to a cool, green forest. Not only was it practical, but it also helps keep the mind cool and calm.
The popular term is forest bathing, stemming from Japan’s promotion of these practices in 1982. Japan, a country that is 2/3 forest, truly took this ancient wisdom to heart and studies thus far prove the efficacy of forest bathing to lower stress and anxiety which in turn reduces the risk for cardiovascular, stroke, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. (Study reference)
Even if you live in the concrete jungle you can benefit from time in a park. However, we can ALL have more household plants. Yeap, potted plants it is. Simply having plants in your surroundings can support you more than you know! Taking care of the plants, looking at them, and simply being aware as to how they change, grow, and adapt is a wonderful practice of presence.
Therapeutically to color green has shown to calm and soothe. Even within the color spectrum, light waves for green are easy on the eyes, so to speak. It is a soothing, easy color to digest for the eyes.
As you see red, go green and take the tranquil path to soothe what ails.
FOREST BATHING
1. Find a green space that allows you to sit and be. Choosing a location that is as isolated from machines, car noises, etc. Of course, water, and running water is a plus.
2. Set up your spot to be comfortable and if possible take off your shoes to feel the earth under you.
3. Take a moment to settle into your breath. Allow for long deep breathing to guide your experience.
4. Look around and take in the beauty and spend a few minutes or longer taking in the green nature all around you.
5. Next, close your eyes and feel the cooling, green forest all around you.
6. Listen to all the sounds and let your ears truly hear the sounds of nature and life all around.
7. Take as much time as you can here observing and being in the moment. Thoughts will take you away from just being. It is Ok. Just breathe and come back to NOW.
Enjoy your forest breathing experience to cool down and find tranquility within.
