Soak Up The Shinrin

Shinrin-yoku is the ancient Japanese art of forest bathing. ‘Shinrin’ meaning Forest and ‘Yoku’ meaning bath. I wouldn’t say I was fluent in Japanese but what with those two words and all of the Pokemon that I can name, I could probably order us a couple of drinks in quite comfortably.

The term began knocking about as a form of therapy in Japan in the 1980’s and has since gained popularity the world over. Extensive scientific research has been carried out to support what Homo-sapiens have strongly suspected for a while now: Trees are good. Be around trees.

But before you nip off up the woods with a luffa. Let’s take a look at how to do this properly, after all Forest bathing is no walk in the park. (I mean it is, literally that, but still…)

Its not just about meeting your personal care needs behind a tree. Its more than that. It’s about consciously connecting with your surroundings and engaging all of your senses.

If you see a tree (which hopefully you do otherwise you’ve fallen at the first hurdle) don’t just walk past. Why not run your fingers across its trunk, paying particular attention to the gnarled indentations of its bark?

Or give it a lick.

Notice the dried, fallen leaves and how they scrunch beneath your bare feet. (Forgot to mention – removal of footwear is an absolute must just like in a regular yoku.)
Perhaps you’ll come across a dog egg. Don’t just walk around it, try poking it with a stick and flicking it at a friend. Its all about the engagement.

Eat a conker, kick a squirrel, soak up the shinrin.

For legal reasons I must remind you that indecent exposure is a significant risk here. Forest Bathing sits somewhere in the middle of a scale between tree hugging and dogging. I’ll leave it to your good judgement to know where that is. (Word to the wise: Maybe wait till you get home to trim your pubes yeah?)

In short Forest Bathing is good for you because science and because you’re a human. So why not give it a try today? If you’re nervous just start small with a Bush Stripwash.

This blog is a collection of the nonsensical musings of a scruffy dreamer.
I’d like to connect with comedians, comedy writers and other aficionados of the ridiculous.
bennyboygoddard@gmail.com