Forest bathing invitations for Earth Day & beyond

Did you get to celebrate Earth Day this weekend?  Many people simply get outside and enjoy nature, while others take steps to protect and preserve the Earth by doing things like conserving energy, cleaning up their communities and recycling, or even working hard to help pass legislation that will help curb the effects of climate change.


For this Earth Day, I want to plant a seed and encourage you to go outside for some Niksen time in nature and “bathe” in nature.  The past few years, the practice of Forest Bathing has become more popular in the West (though it was developed in Japan over 40 years ago!). Simply put, it's being in nature, not doing much of anything, letting our bodies absorb the healing properties of nature. Forest Bathing can be as simple as walking in any natural environment and consciously connecting with what’s around you. For a more structured experience, you can join trained guides for a meditative two- to three-hour ecotherapy excursion.  I won't go into the science here, but if you want to learn more, you can check out this link from the Forest Bathing Institute.


In Forest Bathing, you are offered what are called "invitations," which are basically different ways to connect with nature (& yourself).  Here are seven invitations for you to consider when trying forest bathing for yourself. You can pick just one or several of these, whatever you feel drawn to. Spend as much time with each as feels right for you.

1. Get Grounded - Before you start, find a spot to sit or stand, and just take a few breaths. Imagine there are roots below you, pulling you down into the Earth. Holding you steady. Providing support and nourishment. Follow those roots into the ground using what I call your "mind's eye," and notice what's below the ground.
   
2. Listen - Once your grounded, start to listen. Perhaps you hear birds, or the wind. Or maybe more human sounds like traffic or lawnmowers. Just take in every little sound, and allow your mind to wonder about its source.
   
3. Movement - Next, you can start moving around if you want to because you're going to be invited to notice movement. What do you see moving around you? Perhaps leaves blowing in the wind, and insect or bird, or someone walking their dog.
   
4. Colors - Then, start to notice the colors and shades around you. What are you drawn to? Perhaps it's a bright color that stands out, or you notice the plethora of green shades. You may feel drawn to pick it up, take a photo, or even draw it.
   
5. Textures - As you get closer to these colors, you may feel an urge to reach out and touch them. Go for it! Texture is the next invitation. How many different textures can you find? Which one is your favorite, and why? Just be careful to not touch things like poison ivy or cactus please!
   

The last two invitations I will share invite you to go from a micro to a macro perspective. 

1. Micro View - Find a spot that draws your eye or looks comfortable, and get close. Really close. Use your keen observation skills to notice things you didn't from far away. Perhaps you find a seed or tiny insect, or you lift up leaf litter to find a flirt of activity underneath. Don't worry if you don't notice anything at first. The longer you sit there, the more you will notice. Just be patient.
   
2. Macro View - After awhile, you might notice your eyes wandering to new spots. Allow this as a transition to start seeing the bigger picture around you. As we move to a more macro view of our environment, think of all the millions of tiny micro movements and discoveries that could exist. It's similar to looking at the stars in the sky, and realizing that Earth is just a tiny speck in the vastness of space.
   

You, too, are a speck that is held in a greater space. You are connected to all these micro universes that exist without us even realizing it.


It's with this realization that I want to leave you with today, and it is this that draws me to celebrate Earth Day every day. Knowing and wondering about these connections is what drives me to support and protect the Earth whenever I can, and I hope it inspires you to do the same.
​

Happy Earth Day!