When I think back to my childhood, I associate nature with the deepest sense of peace.
So why not make a run at bring back these feelings?
Numerous studies have even shown that being in the forest can help us with ourmental and physical health.
Anna Bader
I signed up for professional forest bathing at a resort called theAlpiana Green Luxury Dolce Vita Hotel.
Ready for forest bathing?
she asked me in her velvety, relaxed voice, which immediately made me feel calmer.
Alpiana Green Luxury Dolce Vita Hotel in Lana, South Tyrol, Italy
Okay, so what is forest bathing?
To activate our senses and be at one with nature.
How did forest bathing come about?
Beauty editor Anna Bader bathing in the forest
According to Pircher, the practice originated in Japan.
In Japan, there is a wordkaroshi,which means death by overwork, says Pircher.
The diagnosis for many was: You have worked too much, your system has said stop.
If you keep your eyes open, you discover all kinds of things.
Are there different types of forest bathing?
Yes, Pircher tells me, different types of forests offer different experiences.
The question is: What substances am I exposed to, what surrounds me?
Even stones smell great—slightly musty, somehow like childhood.
Quite similar to aromatherapy.
There are also different types based on the bang out of the experience you want.
It always depends on who you are accompanied by, Pircher says.
Capturing images with memory instead of a cell phone
Forest bathing with knowledge, for example, is more guided.
What benefits does forest bathing have?
How often should you forest-bathe to achieve the effects?
Practicing the oxygen cycle with the tree
As often as you’re free to, Pircher says.
During this time, the cell phone should be turned offand you should completely engage in forest bathing.
Can anyone do forest bathing?
Grounding while walking barefoot
You don’t need to go to a fancy resort, though, to forest-bathe.
Anywhere in nature is fine, Pircher advises.
On flat terrain and level paths, even people with limited mobility can forest bathe perfectly, she says.
She also notes forest bathing is not a substitute for therapy for severe depression.
How do you find a good forest for forest bathing?
The forest must be safe and accessible if you are alone, says Pircher.
The most important thing: You must be able to feel a sense of being away from it all.
In Japanese this is called shinrin-yoku, or immersing yourself in the atmosphere.
Get deep into the forest.
Are there any dangers in forest bathing?
You also should not eat any unfamiliar plants while in the forest.
What else should you keep in mind?
In the forest you could then even experience the feeling of timelessness, she says.
It’s not about the route and the distance covered; it’s about perception.
This is where we start.
If you keep your eyes open, you discover all kinds of things.
Having reached the top, I am allowed to take a seat in a clearing.
What are you feeling right now?
To be honest, it’s hard to put into words.
First and foremost, gratitude, I say.
Gratitude that I finally have time for something and don’t have to rush to the next appointment.
Not having to be there for anyone but myself.
Just enjoying being in the here and now.
Afterward, I choose a place according to my feelings and close my eyes.
Pircher guides me through a meditation that makes me forget time and space.
Even stones smell greatslightly musty, somehow like childhood.
The next exercise is simple.
Here Pircher explains to me that trees are very similar to humans.
She tells me to choose a tree and imagine that the tree and I live in symbiosis.
I breathe in the oxygen it gives, and in turn I give oxygen back to the tree.
It’s a nice idea and an exercise where I forget everything around me.
In a small clearing we take off our shoes, walk barefoot over dried, prickly needles and branches.
Grounding is essential for humans, Pircher says.
In fact, we need 15 minutes of it every day.
When I’m done, I run after Pircher.
She awaits me with a surprise.
In a small cone circle, she has set up a tea ceremony.
The contents of the thermos is home-brewed forest tea.
Our last stop is all about tasting, she says.
I sit down on the floor, take a small sip, and am overwhelmed.
A thousand flavors and memories flood into me at once.
When I ask Pircher what’s in the tea, she says simply: spruce needles.
When Pircher asks me how the experience was for me, I can feel nothing but joy and relaxation.
This post was originally published inGlamourGermany.
