Beautifully written as always Fred. And I am so delighted you are illustrating your entries with some of your most wonderful photos. I am such a fan of your photography! I believe I have been enjoying it for more than 20 years and I have greatly missed seeing daily photos.
I am hoping to pair new and revisited and never-seen-the-light-of-day writing with images on a regular basis. Realize that hopes such as this are subject to distraction and overwhelm. But I have tapped into pretty much everything I've written as a resource; and then the 35k images--quite a few of which are rather nice visually and represent wonderful memories I'm pleased to share.
I do hope to see what might be suitable from those would-be book segments to repurpose on Substack or perhaps submit locally towards new reader-friends. I had always told myself "someday I will revisit this and be glad to have written it." And so, these are those days. We'll see where it goes.
fForest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku (森林浴) in Japanese, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to promote relaxation and well-being. It is not about literal bathing, but rather about taking in the forest atmosphere through all your senses.
Key Aspects of Forest Bathing
Sensory Engagement: Focus on the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the forest to connect with nature.
Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment, similar to mindfulness meditation.
Health Benefits: Studies suggest that forest bathing can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve mood, and boost the immune system.
How to Practice Forest Bathing
Choose a Forested Area: Find a quiet, natural setting with plenty of trees.
Slow Down: Walk slowly and take your time to observe your surroundings.
Engage Your Senses: Notice the colors, listen to the sounds, breathe in the scents, and feel the textures around you.
Be Present: Focus on the present moment and let go of any distractions or worries.
Stay for a While: Spend at least 20-30 minutes in the forest to fully experience the benefits.
Benefits of Forest Bathing
Stress Reduction: Lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Improved Mood: Enhanced feelings of well-being and happiness.
Boosted Immune System: Increased activity of natural killer cells, which help fight infections.
Better Sleep: Improved sleep quality and duration.
Forest bathing is a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with nature and improve your overall health. Whether you take a guided session or explore on your own, the key is to immerse yourself fully in the natural environment.
You have brought me back to the woods and creeks of my youth….and although my thoughts back then were less profound, they are long lasting in my memories! Oh, how I miss those days!
Thank you for sharing this. this is beautiful work. It hits me strongly this morning. A second and third read of some of its paragraphs reinforced some good journaling I did just now. As a way into the space your essay invites me into, I thought of Thomas Hardy‘s poem “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations.’”
I appreciate knowing this found fertile soil and good timing. I have been delighted to rediscover this almost-forgotten trove of memories, thoughts and narratives out of a life that somehow goes on. It is reassuring to know we can still influence others in small ways for good.
Beautifully written as always Fred. And I am so delighted you are illustrating your entries with some of your most wonderful photos. I am such a fan of your photography! I believe I have been enjoying it for more than 20 years and I have greatly missed seeing daily photos.
I am hoping to pair new and revisited and never-seen-the-light-of-day writing with images on a regular basis. Realize that hopes such as this are subject to distraction and overwhelm. But I have tapped into pretty much everything I've written as a resource; and then the 35k images--quite a few of which are rather nice visually and represent wonderful memories I'm pleased to share.
Fred, this is a wonder. Please resurrect your plans for that book!
I do hope to see what might be suitable from those would-be book segments to repurpose on Substack or perhaps submit locally towards new reader-friends. I had always told myself "someday I will revisit this and be glad to have written it." And so, these are those days. We'll see where it goes.
A good description of forest bathing.
fForest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku (森林浴) in Japanese, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to promote relaxation and well-being. It is not about literal bathing, but rather about taking in the forest atmosphere through all your senses.
Key Aspects of Forest Bathing
Sensory Engagement: Focus on the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the forest to connect with nature.
Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment, similar to mindfulness meditation.
Health Benefits: Studies suggest that forest bathing can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve mood, and boost the immune system.
How to Practice Forest Bathing
Choose a Forested Area: Find a quiet, natural setting with plenty of trees.
Slow Down: Walk slowly and take your time to observe your surroundings.
Engage Your Senses: Notice the colors, listen to the sounds, breathe in the scents, and feel the textures around you.
Be Present: Focus on the present moment and let go of any distractions or worries.
Stay for a While: Spend at least 20-30 minutes in the forest to fully experience the benefits.
Benefits of Forest Bathing
Stress Reduction: Lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Improved Mood: Enhanced feelings of well-being and happiness.
Boosted Immune System: Increased activity of natural killer cells, which help fight infections.
Better Sleep: Improved sleep quality and duration.
Forest bathing is a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with nature and improve your overall health. Whether you take a guided session or explore on your own, the key is to immerse yourself fully in the natural environment.
You have brought me back to the woods and creeks of my youth….and although my thoughts back then were less profound, they are long lasting in my memories! Oh, how I miss those days!
I know this book, and it is lovely. Peace and blessings to you, dear friend
Thank you for sharing this. this is beautiful work. It hits me strongly this morning. A second and third read of some of its paragraphs reinforced some good journaling I did just now. As a way into the space your essay invites me into, I thought of Thomas Hardy‘s poem “In Time of ‘The Breaking of Nations.’”
I appreciate knowing this found fertile soil and good timing. I have been delighted to rediscover this almost-forgotten trove of memories, thoughts and narratives out of a life that somehow goes on. It is reassuring to know we can still influence others in small ways for good.