I have always loved being close to nature, and one of my greatest joys is walking through the forest. Living in Santa Cruz, I am surrounded by beautiful woods and mountain trails. Each time I wander beneath the trees and along winding paths, I arrive at the end feeling lighter, calmer, and deeply refreshed—as if my body and mind have been fully recharged.
I once came across an interesting idea:
Mountains are places where we gain energy, which is why after hiking, we often feel alert and invigorated. Water, on the other hand, carries energy away. This may explain why spending long hours by the ocean or a lake can leave us feeling tired. Yet water also washes away emotional heaviness. When we feel sad, restless, or overwhelmed, a walk by the sea often brings a sense of release and ease.
Energy is constantly flowing through nature. We are simply quiet participants, allowing the natural world to gently adjust our inner frequency.
Discovering “Forest Bathing”
Recently, I was delighted to learn that the Japanese have a word that perfectly describes this healing experience: forest bathing.
In Japanese, it is called shinrin-yoku:
- Shinrin means forest
- Yoku means bathing
Together, shinrin-yoku means “bathing in the forest,” or allowing our entire being to absorb the atmosphere of the woods. As early as 1982, Japan officially incorporated forest bathing into its national public health program as a form of preventive and therapeutic care.
Suddenly, I realized that every breath I took in the forest had always been quietly nourishing me.
Japanese researchers have conducted extensive studies on forest bathing and found remarkable benefits for overall well-being. Research shows that forest bathing can:
- Reduce stress
- Strengthen the immune system
- Lower blood pressure
- Support recovery after illness or injury
- Improve mood and concentration
For me personally, its most immediate effect is simple yet profound—it quickly lowers stress and brings my heart back to a place of calm.
Forest bathing is very different from running or brisk walking. It is not about exercise or distance; it is about presence. The key is to slow down and fully engage all your senses:
- Touch the bark of trees—rough or smooth
- Watch sunlight dance through layers of leaves
- Breathe in the scent of earth and greenery
- Listen to the wind moving through branches
- Find a place to sit and feel your connection with the ground
In the past, most of my hikes were intense, goal-driven, almost like completing a task. Since practicing forest bathing, I now schedule at least one slow, mindful walk each week. By slowing down, I have discovered beauty I once overlooked—and I can’t help but smile at how much I missed before.
There is a subtle yet powerful presence in the forest. It does not announce itself, yet it gently soothes the heart.
Perhaps it is the oxygen released by the trees.
Perhaps it is the steady, unhurried rhythm of the forest.
Or perhaps it is simply that, among the trees, we can finally hear our own breath again.
When we walk in the forest, there is nothing we need to accomplish. Nothing to force. Nature naturally helps our hearts soften, open, and grow brighter.
If you feel tired, anxious, or lost in the busyness of everyday life, I invite you to find a nearby mountain trail and give yourself the gift of forest bathing.
Let nature, in its quiet way, remind you:
You are doing your best—and you deserve to be healed. 🌲
Peace LiLy 