Today, I invite you to come Forest Bathing with me!
Have you heard about Forest Bathing? Fear not, aquaphobes, it doesn't involve getting wet. The idea, originating in Japan, is to reconnect with nature and enhance one's wellbeing by savouring the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Not by rushing around, counting your steps or striving to achieve a goal, but by taking time to bathe in the peace and beauty of the natural environment.
Obviously, us dogs are particularly good at the sniffing bit.
Although Gail reminds me that this is not a competitive activity!
I'll admit I struggle with the 'not rushing around' aspect of Forest Bathing. And I don't recall 'mindfulness' ever being on the curriculum at the puppy classes I attended long ago.
But as I get older, I am beginning to appreciate that taking things slowly and enjoying the feel of the soft mosses under one's paws, the scent of sweet pine resin, the lush green colours of the vegetation, and the soundscape of our feathered friends going about their daily business, can be a route to happiness too.
So Happy Nature Friday friends! Do go and see what others have posted today in this wonderful blog hop hosted by the LLB Gang.
Does forest bathing involve rolling in those smells? Cuz then I would be a pro!
ReplyDeleteforest bathing is without water, right? count us in please ;O)
ReplyDeleteWe've never heard of Forest Bathing Bertie, so it's something new for us to investigate. The problem is that we don't have a forest nearby, so, until we find our own, we'll just have to share your experiences. They do sound super! Just the thing for times like these.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Inca xx
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I am a forest bather of some decades standing, Bertie lad and can highly commend you for bringing this to the attention of our Blogvillager pals!!! Mind you, it does require clement weather conditions (or at least only misty rain); I won't be going anywhere near any trees today judging by the washing-machine conditions outside the Hutch just now!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Your post is so calming and just beautiful this morning, Bertie!
ReplyDeleteBertie I agree with Molly...I feel so calm and relaxed after our virtual Forest Bathing with you. I would kinda be like you rush to the next gorgeous spot. Good for you learning to take baby steps while Forest Bathing. What a lovely Nature Friday and learning experience.
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia and Happy weekend
PS Hope Gail's ankle has healed
That is the most wonderful(maybe ONLY wonderful) bathing experience Bertie! We will have to talk to the pawrents about taking us out for a forest bath this weekend!
ReplyDeleteWe may not have forests around us, but we love walking along the river and just enjoying the sights and peace...though we do have to get out of the way of the 'goal driven fit bit wearers.'
ReplyDeleteWe do enjoy it so much when we get to walk on the local trails. Mom says there is a commercial on the radio here where a little girl is telling her classmates about the awesome adventure she had with her family. After sharing all the excitement about flowers and brooks and animals, she tells them all she went to a special place called a FOREST - it is a precious advertisement.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
We have been doing that for years but we didn't know it had a name. Thank you for letting us know and writing such a thoughtful blog.
ReplyDeleteYou sure look like you are having fun frolicking in the forest Bertie.
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate you sharing this waterless bath with us.
ReplyDeleteHi hi hi! Ojo here! Going fast AND going slow are BOTH good ways to forest bathe! You have very beautiful forests, friend!
ReplyDeleteBertie - Did you find any badger poo while forest bathing ?
ReplyDeleteThe taste of badger poo is of course the sensory experience that would have made the 'bath' complete!
DeleteThose forests are so lovely!We wish we had a cool forest to walk though too!
ReplyDeleteKiki and Rosie