“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
— John Muir
"Forest bathing" — in Japanese, shinrin yoku — is a thing.
From the moment you step into a lush forest, surrounded by dense vegetation and fragrantly fresh soil, you can sense the pulsating life that surrounds you. When we allow ourselves to be given over to this deeply sensory experience, good things happen, mentally and physically.
Just ask the Japanese.
After decades of research, they have proven the substantial impact exposure to fragrant forests, bubbling brooks and rushing rivers, has on the human psyche and physiology.
Bussing jaded city folk to one of 60 official Forest Therapy Zones scattered around Japan, has led to a marked decrease in domestic violence, a significant increase in worker productivity, a noticeably drop-off in hospital emergency visits, and measurable improvement in happiness and a sense of well-being.
In economic terms, the Japanese have determined that trees in these Zones are worth far more left standing than chopped down.
Beyond merely "bathing" in nature, a new discipline — "forest therapy" — has emerged. This is a research-based (the Japanese don't fool around) healing practice carried out through forest immersion. Its aim is to promote mental and physical health, as well as treat or even prevent disease.
North Americans are beginning to pick up what the Japanese have put down.
For example, my tiny, isolated mountain village of Kaslo, boasts a classic forest therapy zone of its own. Hugging both banks of our signature river, the Kaslo River trail system, with generous paths meandering through the woods, strategically placed benches perfect for rest and contemplation, and bird, animal and river sounds providing a soothing audio track for locals and visitors alike.
Speaking of visitors, as I was sauntering along the trail the other day with Lyra the Kootenay Mountain Dog, I found my thoughts straying to… Donald J. Trump.
Imagine him wandering through the deep woods here with a licensed forest therapist. Couldn't hurt, right?!
Fool on the Hill #3