Mindful Connections

Do you need to be guided in nature? By  Maria  |  April 12, 2021  |  0  We all know that spending time in nature is good for us and many of us have turned towards spending more time outside during this last year. So, why would we need to be guided in nature? We all know how to walk, hike or just spend time in nature; is this not the same thing? Is forest bathing simply sitting in nature and noticing a few things?  Another Fad? is this just the buzz thats around at the moment and everyone is joining in? Actually no! Forest bathing as it is translated into English has been around for many years especially if you look at where it has been influenced from. Shinrin Yoku was the term coined in the early 80’s in Japan when it developed this practice. Encouraging their people to move back into the forests and experience nature after a spike in stress related illness. Japan’s traditions included shinto and tao both of which offer practices and traditions that s...

It is believed that time spent under the green canopy is critical in fighting a number of diseases and conditions.  The Japanese have known for years that spending mindful time in the woods is beneficial for body and soul. Now western doctors – and royals – agree Harriet Sherwood @harrietsherwood Sat 8 Jun 2019 13.00 BST Last modified on Sat 8 Jun 2019 20.25 BST Every day, apart from when it’s raining heavily, Dr Qing Li heads to a leafy park near the NipponMedical School in Tokyo where he works.  It’s not just a pleasant place to eat his lunch; he believes the time spent under the trees’ canopy is a critical factor in the fight against diseases, of the mind and body. Once a month Li spends three days in forests near Tokyo, using all five senses to connect with the environment and clear his mind.  This practice of shinrin-yoku – literally, forest bath – has the power to counter illnesses including cancer, strokes, gastric ulcers, depression, anxiety and stress, he says. I...