Last year, I kept hearing bits and pieces about something called Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy, or Shinrin-yoku (森林浴)—the Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature for healing. I didn’t know much about it, but the name alone felt intriguing.
Then, my son invited me to experience it firsthand at Purdue University.
I had no idea what to expect. Would we be hiking? Meditating? Hugging trees?
Instead, what I experienced was something entirely different. It was slow, intentional, and deeply restorative—like an afternoon at a luxurious spa, but without the hefty price tag. By the time it was over, my body felt lighter, my mind clearer. It was as if I had exhaled for the first time in a long time.
And the most astonishing part? This practice is available to all of us, anytime we choose.
So, What Exactly is Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy, rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, isn’t about exercise or hitting step goals—it’s about being present in nature in a way most of us never are.
Instead of rushing through the outdoors, it’s an invitation to slow down and engage with nature intentionally.
- Noticing the way the sunlight filters through the trees.
- Feeling the textures of bark, leaves, and earth.
- Breathing in the scent of pine or damp soil.
- Listening—truly listening—to the sounds of wind, birds, and rustling branches.
It’s a science-backed practice with real benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving focus and creativity.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
We live in a world that keeps pulling us out of ourselves—notifications, deadlines, endless scrolling. Forest Therapy is a way back home to yourself.
But here’s the thing—this isn’t something I can fully explain in words. It’s something you have to experience.
And that’s exactly what we’re diving into on this Wednesday’s episode of A Beautiful Fix. I sat down with a Forest Therapy guide who walks us through this practice, why it’s so powerful, and how you can try it for yourself.
Don’t miss this episode! Follow A Beautiful Fix on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
For now, I’ll leave you with this: When was the last time you truly let nature hold you?
