I came across this term recently, read a bit more about it ( Nature therapy – Wikipedia )and it immediately struck a chord with me. For the last few months three of us childhood friends who are still in Bay area, have been going on a hike on Fridays and stop at a nearby restaurant after the hike to imbibe some libations and snack on appetizers. It so happened that two of us are chasing butterflies and one is still pursuing his dreams but his current situation allowed him the opportunity to partake in our own version of shinrin-yoku, or at the least my own version of it.
The therapeutic benefits touted by the proponents of this concept have been realized by me, though not in the literal sense, IMHO. The actual term loosely translates to “forest bathing” and there are some defined methodologies proposed by various sources on how to enjoy “forest bathing”.
Our version involves forest, sort of, since we do go on hike into woods, our conversations cover topics that go all over the place, we share our thoughts, ideas, dreams and desires, and what have you. These hikes allow us to vent, share and seek help with whatever that is bothering us at the moment. Be it a knee pain, or car trouble or something more personal. Nothing has been off limits simply because our long-standing friendship, we are way beyond judging each other, no matter what is said and done. It has certainly enhanced our quality of life, or at least mine. There is something to be said for the lifelong friends walking down the memory lane, talking about current affairs and discussing future plans. Past, present and future all rolled into one activity.
The emotional well-being (after all the goal of Shinrin-yoku) that is derived from this weekly activity is immeasurable to us. I am saying “us” and not “me”, because they said so too, and the fact that we look forward to these outings is the proof that the other feel the same way.
Here is an example of one such hike. Most of these hikes are a cinch for the other two, but they persist and support the weaker me. They are the proverbial wind beneath my wings on these jaunts. The outings have been nothing but subarashii as Japanese would say.
Here is another from the most recent hike. The important aspects of this hike are many. This image was taken on the way back from a 4-mile turning point. I was huffing and puffing, struggling as usual, but they would let me behind. Constantly pushing me. This was a 8.2-mile hike, with 1684 feet elevation gain, and it took us under 3.5 hours. The typical hikes have been going all the way to the top (climbing) and turn back and for the most part, it was all downhill. Not this one. It was a straight climb, then undulating, then a 2 mile downhill. The long climb has been on the return part of the hike (5th-7th mile) and I usually be running on fumes by now. Not this time. I was still huffing and puffing, slowing down those two patient beings, and “hiking” one step at a time. I managed to surprise myself when I was done. At no point, I felt a need to check my sugar level (I wear a CGM), and other than my legs refusing to move, never was held back by my diabetes. I broke another one of my perceived/imagined barriers.
The “forest bathing” does not start and end in the forests. It extends to our social life as well. Here is an occasion where that is evident. Thank you, NM, for capturing the image.
Epilogue: Dear reader, I humbly request you to go find people to share your life with, if not already, because “best moments in life come from the people you share them with.”
