Just What The Doctor Ordered


ing can produce quantifiable changes in the body and mind. Plus, the added benefit is that it just feels good. Research indicates that nature and the forest is a true healer. Studies show that there is a marked decrease in stress related hormones, a decrease in heart rates and lower blood pressure as compared to the studies of city walkers. While common sense and experience indicates that fresh air does the body good, there is also biological reasons that the forest has healing powers. One theory is from Japan’s Nippon Medical School and Chiba University. The the- ory states that trees and plants produce organic compounds called phytocides to help protect themselves from insects, fungus and disease. These compounds escape into the air and when breathing deeply and moving slowly through the forest with an open heart and lungs, can offer great benefits to humans as well as plants. The Lodge at Woodloch developed


Take a Long Walk in Nature and Call Me in the Morning


by Brooke Jennings Roe


on nature in ways too numerous to list. Until recently, humans have had an intimate reliance on nature to survive. In today’s concrete jungle, artificially lit buildings, computer screens, smart TV’s and mobile devices with flash- ing screens have not only distanced us from our innate need of nature, but we have also begun to lose the realization of its importance. Never has nature felt further from our minds and spirits. As humans, we are deeply inter- connected with nature. All it takes is some quick considerations to realize those interdependent relationships. If you breathe, you have a relationship with trees, plants, the sun and plankton and the list goes on. If you eat, you have a relationship with the weather, the soil, plants and animals, micro- organisms that are too small to see and


H


uman Beings have transpired from nature over the course of centuries. Humans have relied


the water that surrounds us. Nature, too can benefit from


humans; when we put our minds too it. A carefully tended garden flourishes with attention and wains with neglect. House plants have been proven to grow better and stronger when you talk and sing to them. Some plants produce more leaves, flowers and fruits when you pinch it in just the right way. Na- ture and humans have an interdepen- dent relationship. Lucky for us, we are on the receiv-


ing end of much of what nature has to offer. Nature wants to heal…it was built for it. Hence, the practice of Forest Bathing, or Shinrin- Yoku. The term Forest Bathing sounds a little more exotic than it is but the ef- fects are monumental. There is growing research that supports the ancient tradi- tion and understanding that spending time in the deep woods has profound healing power. Over time, forest bath-


a Forest Bathing Exploration Program three years ago as a way to introduce the theory to its guests. The cross-func- tional team includes members that have yoga and meditation backgrounds, a master herbalist, and outdoor adventure experts, all of which attended intensive training on the five senses and being mindful of ones’ surroundings. A Forest Bathing exploration class includes a guided walk deep into the forest. These slow and deliberate walks focus on keeping the body and mind in the present while teaching tech- niques for deep breathing, mind-body awareness and taking note of the little miracles of the forest. Forest Bathing is also a great op- portunity for groups and meetings. Tak- ing a much needed break to refocus, get fresh air and retune the mind makes for a much better experience with the group. In addition to the stress-relieving benefits, nature can be inspirational brain food that will lead to much better meeting and team building results.


The Lodge at Woodloch offers a weekly forest bathing exploration weekly in season. Location: 109 River Birch Ln, Hawley. For more information, call 800-966-3562 or visit TheLodgeAt- Woodloch.com.


natural awakenings August 2016 29


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