Shinrinyoku literally means “forest bathing” in Japanese. I live in a magical part of the world, surrounded by lush forest. I live in amongst the National Park and I work on the edge of Sherbrooke Forest. Not a day goes by when I am not grateful for my amazing environment. I walk in the forest. At least 3 times a week. Sometimes more.
In the 1980s it became very popular in Japan to forest bathe. The concept was really just to immerse yourself and surround yourself in nature. In Japan this is possible even in the middle of Tokyo. There are so many beautiful gardens in Japan, and being in the middle of the busiest city in the world can feel quite peaceful. It is possible to lose yourself in the trees, in the beauty and these gardens often have a water element to them also.
On the last day of 2018, I walked in the forest, with my beloved, and literally drank in the peace, the beauty and the stillness. My resolution for 2019 is to spend more time in the forest, more time in the wildreness in Japan when we visit and more time appreciating how fortunate I am to live and work surrounded by majestic forest.
Happy New Year to you. I hope 2019 is excellent.
Happy New Year to you, too, Anthony 😊 I hope your 2019 brings so many perfect moments it’s hard to decide which one to write about 🥳
A beautiful way to end the year. Best wishes for 2019!