When I first heard of forest bathing, I imagined someone finding a mossy pond in a quiet forest and taking a bath in it. Turns out forest bathing doesn’t literally mean bathing in a forest. Rather, it is bathing in the essence of nature. In other words, forest bathing is simply walking in a forest, or spending time to connect with nature. As I grew to learn more about forest bathing and its incredible benefits, I realized that I have experienced, first-hand, the true impact of nature on one’s body and soul.

Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, was developed in Japan in the 1980s. Since the 1990s, there have been scientifically proven evidence that forest bathing has several benefits for the body and mind. Communing with nature reduces blood pressure, reduces stress, improves mood, increases ability to focus, accelerates recovery from surgery illness, increases energy levels, and improves sleep. Fascinatingly, trees give off organic compounds that boost cell functionality in our immune system. With a regular practice of forest bathing, one may find a deeper and clearer intuition, increased flow of energy, increased capacity to communicate with the land and its species, a deepening of friendships, and an overall increase in happiness.

I can easily be a suitable candidate for supporting these findings, having experienced two different extremes in my living environment over the last year and a half. In Fall 2017, I moved to Hanoi, Vietnam for an opportunity to teach English at a Language Center. At the time, I was looking forward to immersing myself into the liveliness of city life. Little did I know that the concrete jungle would push more towards disconnection, rather than the connection I sought. While I enjoyed the constant stimulation of a new culture, of discovering new alleyways and cafes, and of meeting new friends from all over the world, I often found myself unhappy, exhausted, and looking for an escape. My mind constantly felt alert in the noise of traffic outside and the bustle of a crowded city. My body felt lethargic and my lungs screamed for fresh oxygen in the heavily polluted atmosphere. All I wanted was a moment of peace.

A year later, I found myself in the wild jungle of Hawaii, living on a property that boasted more trees than people. At this Hawaiian ecovillage, I wake up every morning feeling alive. Stepping out of canopy door, I’m greeted with lush green, chirpy birds, and happy butterflies. The majority of the property is outdoors, with an open dining and lounge space, organic gardens, tropical trees, and an open space between living quarters. Buildings, cars, and motorbikes have been replaced by illustrious trees, flourishing tropical flora, and a colorful jungle life. My body sleeps and wakes with ease. The clean air fills my lungs with energy, and the green brightens my mood. Living outside, I’ve discovered a greater ease with meditation, feel a greater awareness of myself, and feel more aligned with nature. The friendships I’ve gained while on the property have felt more authentic and have developed with greater ease. Whenever I feel a sense of unease or stress, all I have to do is gaze out across the property, and I’m reminded to breathe and just be.

Having maintained a mobile lifestyle for several years, I was shocked to find that I didn’t feel the desire to escape from the ecovillage. In the past, I’m always the first to volunteer for an outing, whether that was outside my home, or outside my city. But at my jungle oasis, I feel more ease in remaining where I am. Everything I need is here. My escape, my breathing space lies in my lively home. Being outside everyday, there is real life surrounding me. I’ve encountered a new sense of wellness: wellness from an abundant environment. Wellness from eating off the land, wellness from oxygen-filled air, and wellness from an energizing, yet relaxing environment. I’ve learned how forest bathing truly encourages a higher capacity in my body and mind to communicate, to meditate, and to function in a positive way.

Take a moment to notice what your body and mind really desires. Should you find an escape in front of the TV, or should you step outside? Take a stroll at a nearby park. Walk along the shore of a beach, or the edge of a stream. Go for a run outside. Take an hour for a short hike, or plan an entire day for a hike on a nearby mountain. Maybe you need something grander. Give your body and mind a complete escape and venture far away where nature rules. Escape to a place like Hawaii, and fully immerse yourself in the outdoors. Discover wellness from life on earth itself.