Mindfulness and Forest Bathing: Return to the Present Moment
Stef Carbone, LCSW
Forest Bathing
Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a practice that encourages individuals to engage with the outdoors through their senses. As a form of mindfulness and relaxation, it aims to improve mental and physical well-being by reducing stress, boosting mood, and enhancing immune function. It can be practiced in any forest or outdoor setting where individuals can experience the wonders and awe of nature which can help to ground and soothe us.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a contemplative practice that involves paying attention to the present moment with acceptance and without judgment. It involves:
Being Aware: Paying attention to thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings.
Nonreactivity: Observing thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them or reacting impulsively.
Acceptance: Accepting thoughts and experiences as they are, without trying to change or suppress them.
Mindfulness practices can include meditation and simply paying attention to one’s breath or bodily sensations. The goal is to cultivate a state of present-moment awareness and enhance self-understanding.
FOREST TRANQUILITY 