In the practice of forest bathing we immerse our senses in the special qualities of the fluid, oceanic ambience of the woodlands. We walk slowly so we can focus our senses on the myriad ways the living forest surrounds and touches us. Feel the breeze on your skin; hear the gurgling voices of the brook and the calls of birds; see the movement of trees in the wind. By giving attention to your senses, you turn down the volume on the cacophony of inner thoughts. Your senses bring you into the present moment, where you can take in all the forest has to offer, welcoming it, letting it settle inside you. When the forest is allowed its place within you, it supports your body’s natural capacity for wellness and healing. Many forest bathers feel that their time in the woods is a form of meditation. Some call it mindfulness in nature. And mindfulness practice does share with forest bathing an emphasis on sensory experience. The principle is simple: sensory experience is always immediate, unlike discursive (story-based) thinking, which involves us with the past or future or just anywhere that is not here and now. Thus, anytime our attention is focused on our senses, we are being “mindful,” because we are present. Forest bathing distinctly emphasizes sensory noticing and deemphasizes heady preoccupations like the familiar naturalist focus on learning facts. In this fundamental way forest bathing is indeed like meditation. Finding Your Best Places for Forest Bathing Suitable places do not always conform to typical ideas of what constitutes a nature trail. I once had a positive “forest bathing” experience in a mall parking lot, where I interacted with a young tree growing in the island between parking areas. Clearly, forests are ideal, but you can make do with what is in your neighborhood. You don’t have to be in a forest to do forest bathing. An Ethic of Tenderness Many people have learned that “leave no trace” is a general ethical principle to follow in nature. I agree that it is a good principle in protected and fragile environments, such as alpine meadows that have very brief growing seasons. However, it is not the ethic I recommend for forest bathing. An alternative is “wild tending.” Reciprocity It is a strongly ingrained cultural habit to think of nature as a collection of resources. Forest bathing opposes this assumption. One of the beautiful areas of inquiry in forest bathing has to do with how we can give as much as we receive. We call this “reciprocity practice.” Guided by Invitations Forest bathing follows a series of invitations from the forest. Part of developing your practice of forest bathing is honing your ability to recognize and choose from a constantly shifting kaleidoscope of invitations. Invitations are not exercises or assignments to accomplish. They are more like a flow of improvisational dance, with the forest as your partner.
✔ Author(s): M. Amos Clifford
✔ Title: Your Guide to Forest Bathing (Expanded Edition): Experience the Healing Power of Nature
✔ Rating : 4.8 out of 5 base on (122 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1590035135
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Your Guide to Forest Bathing by M. Amos Clifford
Jazlynn Daniels
Experience a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and love in this beautifully written novel. The protagonist's struggles and triumphs are portrayed with incredible empathy. Richly developed characters and a compelling plot make the story unforgettable. The emotional depth of the narrative resonates long after the book is closed. It's a touching tale that celebrates the human spirit. Perfect for readers seeking an uplifting read.
Isabella George
Delve into a dystopian world where survival hinges on ingenuity and courage. The author's vivid descriptions and fast-paced narrative keep you on the edge of your seat. The protagonist's journey is filled with thrilling moments and unexpected twists. The world-building is detailed and immersive, creating a believable and haunting setting. It's a gripping tale that explores themes of power, resistance, and hope. Ideal for fans of dystopian fiction.
Rayleen Kirby
Uncover the secrets of a haunted mansion in this chilling gothic novel. The author's atmospheric writing and suspenseful plot make for a captivating read. Each character's hidden motives and dark pasts add to the tension. The twists and surprises keep you guessing until the very end. It's a haunting and immersive story that you won't want to put down. Perfect for fans of gothic fiction.
