Forest Bathing

In recent years I have developed an increasing love for trees. We have a large number of tall trees on our 10 acre property - most of them we have planted ourselves and they feel a bit like our babies that we have watched grow. I know I have always loved trees but in my middle years I have come to have an appreciation for them that I did not have when I was younger.

They are a constant presence reminding us of the transience of our human lives as they continue quietly growing and holding steadfast in the ground as we move amongst them and our lives come and go.

Several years ago I was in one of my favourite local bookshops browsing (a dangerous pastime if you are trying to save money so best avoided!) and I came across a book on the Japanese practice of forest bathing - shinrin-yoku. The name of this took my fancy and I thought it a fascinating concept that I wanted to find out more about. I resisted buying that book that day (well done!) and never looked into it further however recently I was reading a magazine and came across an article on forest bathing and it re-sparked my interest. I have looked on the Book Depository and so many books came up about it so there is no excuse for me not to find out more! Time to visit the library!

Today however my husband and I went for a walk in the forest near our holiday home. It is full of exotic trees that were planted early last century and there are a number of formed tracks through these trees for people to walk, bike or horse-ride. The sun was shining and the tall straight trunks were majestic and inspiring. It was very peaceful. New Zealand is blessed by large stands of native bush and although I have a preference for these trees in our natural landscape I can still appreciate the beauty of some of these exotic interlopers that are native trees to other people in the world. A stand of the same trees all growing together like a family holds a certain mystery about them.

It cost us nothing to walk these trails and gave us fresh air to breathe, exercise and time spent together - all so important and so valuable. I can never seem to get enough of the feeling the trees give me. Who knows - maybe there really is a positive healing energy from these living things. The Japanese might just be onto something!