Who knew?
Forest bathing doesn’t involve nudity.
It’s actually got nothing to do with washing dirty feet, exfoliation or hygiene in general.
Doesn’t even involve water.
And we Bowen Islanders do it all the time.
According to some online sleuthing, it’s kind of like going for an ambling walk in the woods. Sound familiar?
The idea, or term, “forest bathing,” comes via Japan, where it’s known as shinrin-yoku, or “taking in the forest atmosphere,” according to the website,www.shinrin-yoku.org.
And it’s good for you.
It’s supposed to do things like boost your immune system, increases creativity and reduce stress.
Also, it is catching on online. I found about 67,000 posts with the hashtag #forestbathing on instagram alone.
So it seems we’re in the middle of a health trend and might not even know it.
Because there’s really no place quite like Bowen for uninterrupted, relaxed, directionless walks in the woods.
Take time this week, rain or shine, Earth Day or any other day, for a stroll in the one of our beautiful forests — just you and the trees and the ravens talking.
Soap, shoes and shirts optional, of course.
