Currently, of the people I know well, more are feeling low-grade stress and depression than not. The nation’s polarization and abrupt changes to life, government and inequitable economics leave many with a sense of being out of control. We wonder what to do.

We all hope to manage our schedules to allow for civic responsibilities and community involvement. Yet, we need to protect ourselves (body, mind and spirit) as well.

The Unknown

When what lies ahead is so uncertain, it’s rather like the stock market – results go up and down. Problems are compounded by unreasonable levels of unpredictability. Many of us stress whether we have concerns and questions about where our country is headed, our health care, safety or our bank books (yes, I know we don’t have ‘bank books’ anymore, like my first little green one in 2^nd grade). Or maybe we suffer anxiety contemplating life, death or afterlife.

I often read a sentence or comment in a novel that seems to capture a sense of our times, a throw-away remark maybe, but a real gem. You probably do the same. I wish I recorded more of them for future use since I rarely remember them despite being sure I will.

One of those gems was from a book entitled “Olive, Again,” a sequel to the popular book “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout.

“Bear the burden of the Mystery
with as much grace as we can.”

Whether that mystery applies to the afterlife, our economic life, or working and daily life, the ease and agility to adapt provides us grace to survive and manage our existence with equanimity.

Here I present one of the many ideas writers and therapists offer to find more grace, or at least a helpful way to cope.

What is Shinrin-yoku?

The English translation for the Japanese term Shinrin-yoku is “Forest Bathing.” You may have guessed that this bathing doesn’t necessitate removing clothes. Instead, it’s a practice of therapeutic relaxation by spending time with nature. Whether a forest or any natural atmosphere of trees, bushes and grasses, the process of focusing on the senses while in nature is the heart of the healing.

Forest (shinrin) bathing (yoku) is considered a natural, alternative therapy. It’s promoted commonly as a way to relieve stress and improve the function of your immune system. Better yet, it’s inexpensive and even water is not required. Just a refreshing attitude.

Is Sylvotherapy the Same?

In my mind, the two terms, shinrin-yoku and sylvotherapy are basically interchangeable. Although the latter may concentrate more on trees than the other natural elements. The advantage is connecting with tree energy. You may remember complaints of “hippie tree-huggers” – perhaps there was more to that connection than simply environmental protection.

The usage and chronicling of sylvotherapy goes back to antiquity where the smells of the coniferous forests were prescribed for healing purposes. This was according to Pliny the Elder, a 1^st century AD Roman naturalist specializing in botany and zoology.

Perhaps of more interest to today’s audience is that Pliny the Elder’s discoveries and insights led to the brewing of beer. At least one brewery in Santa Rosa, CA has a beer named after him. Unfortunately, the beer and most alcohols do not add much benefit to long-term coping skills. (Although, many folks might challenge that assertion when it comes to Pacific Northwest IPA.)

Benefits of Forest Bathing

The focus on sensory engagement in the forest or natural settings is declared to have several paybacks. Clearly trees provide more to us than shade for our homes or oxygen for the planet. Trees produce organic compounds called phytoncides, for their own protection. Luckily for us, these compounds evidently increase the production in humans of serotonin and dopamine (feel-good chemicals). Thus, relieve stress.

Other studies have claimed that forest bathing, and particularly ‘communing’ with trees or just enjoying the outdoors, decreases blood pressure and heart rate. We’ve had too many posts on AgingWithPizzazz not to know how important these two rates are to our health and even longevity.

Further, numerous experiments have hypothesized about other positive effects the practice provides. It’s been demonstrated that shinrin-yoku and sylvotherapy either produce or have a synergetic effect to improve our immune system. It apparently increases our ‘natural killer’ (NK) cells which sounds bad but is exactly what we need for a healthy immune system.

Final Thought

One of the very best aspects of forest bathing is that you don’t need a forest, or woods. Even your local park will suffice or perhaps your own backyard. From day to day, you are not alone in your feelings, and it’s comforting to be able to share concerns and thoughts with a friend. But at other times, it’s appropriate to wind down, clear your mind and appreciate what nature can offer you.

Video. Note the video below is described as a ‘documentary.’ It will be the shortest specimen in such genre you’ll probably ever see. For sure, it’s worth the 4 minutes. I trust it will encourage you to take part more often in the forest bathing practice, however and wherever you choose to do so.