what is a ZENwalk? Forest Bathing for your soul

Happy Spring Equinox! As a mindfulness outdoors teacher, I am passionate about helping people connect with nature and find peace and calm in their lives. One of the practices that I often recommend to my students is shinrin yoku, also known as forest bathing. I call it ZENwalk. Shinrin yoku is a Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in nature and using all of our senses to connect with the natural environment. In this blog post, I share some of the benefits of forest bathing and how we can incorporate this practice into our daily lives.
The benefits of forest bathing are numerous and well-documented. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve our overall well-being. A ZENwalk involves taking a slow, leisurely saunter through the forest, allowing ourselves to be fully present and engaged with our surroundings. By doing so, we can experience a sense of peace and calm and connect with nature on a deeper level.
To practice shinrin yoku, we need to engage all of our senses. We can start by simply standing still and observing our surroundings. Notice the colors, shapes, and textures of the trees, leaves, and rocks around you. Listen to the sounds of the birds, the rustling of the leaves, and the flow of the water. Feel the coolness of the air on your skin and the texture of the ground beneath your feet. Smell the scents of the flowers and the earth.
As we walk through the forest, we can continue to engage our senses and become fully present in the moment. We can touch the trees and feel their rough bark, we can taste the wild berries, and we can sit and watch the wildlife. By doing so, we allow ourselves to connect with the natural environment and tap into its healing power.
Incorporating shinrin yoku into our daily lives does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even a short walk in the park or a quiet moment sitting under a tree can be enough to experience the benefits of nature. We can also make an effort to spend more time in nature, whether it's going for a hike or simply sitting outside and watching the sunrise or sunset.
As a mindfulness outdoors teacher, I believe that practicing shinrin yoku can be a powerful way to connect with nature and find inner peace and calm. By engaging all of our senses and becoming fully present in the moment, we can experience the healing power of nature and improve our overall well-being. So, why not take a moment today to step outside and connect with the natural world around you? You may be surprised at how much it can benefit your mind, body, and soul.