Looking together in the same direction.

Looking together in the same direction.
Sea otters hold hands while they sleep so they don't drift apart.

by my favorite poet, Mary Oliver

"Instructions for living a life.

Pay attention.

Be astonished.

Tell about it."

Mary Oliver


Friday, August 4, 2017

Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest Bathing


     It is healthful to go to a forest and just breath the air.  Research shows that it can lower blood pressure, promote immune responses by increasing white cells and natural killer cells, and improve sleep.  We evolved in nature and need to spend more time there.
     My 20 year old treadmill stopped for good last week.  That is a good thing. It'll make me get out in nature more, at least until winter icy weather arrives.

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/07/17/536676954/forest-bathing-a-retreat-to-nature-can-boost-immunity-and-mood


     It is also important for health to re-connect to the earth at times through "grounding" or "earthing".  It can have the same wonderful effects as forest bathing.
Here are two articles from NIH which study the practice.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/

     This weekend I will make time for a barefoot walk across the grass as well as a walk in the woods.  How about you?  Are you willing to give it a try? Become a tree-hugger.


“Run into peace.”

– Meister Eckhart, 14th-Century Philosopher

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