FOREST BATHING…

FOREST Bathing… 

What IS Forest Bathing? I know that for my vocabulary learning, I needed to ENJOY a new concept using the word bathing! BUT, I love it and I have written about the concept in past years. As I deal with some difficult issues in my own life right now…I WANT to return to this idea.

Forest therapy  is rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. But of course this is not a literal BATH…… The term refers to immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a forest. Trained guides help people engage in experiences in the natural environment. They make sure a person is using all of their senses. For ME…that includes making connection with my loved ones in the Spirit World. That is not mentioned in the literature… but there are HUGE benefits to submerging yourself into a forest. Research found that walking in an actual forest had a greater effect on cardiovascular health than walking in a city park. However, walking in an urban park can improve your mood, your heart rate variability and even your memory! If you are interested in hearing more about all the benefits of  Forest Bathing…I found the information from the Cleveland Clinic quite good. Click here to read more! They also give you ideas of what you can do in your own HOME environment when access to green space is just not available to you.

Walking through forests isn’t new at all. But, I’m writing to all of you in hopes that you give it a  try and JOIN me in times of stress. I KNOW I need the experience in a forest…but I also realize I can not literally do that at the moment. (But, as soon as I CAN…I will!) So instead I will take myself on a visual experience through imaging during deep meditation, letting go, and ENJOYING the visual pictures in my mind! I also have exactly the list from the Cleveland Clinic already in place in my home! I find that assuring.

Today I won’t go into detail of difficult issues in my life…let’s just ENJOY a practice that is totally AWESOME! I wrote the following words to share in a healing event with our Spiritual Circle group. Today I am sharing the words with you in hopes that you can take yourself OUT and INTO the forest of your mind. We know studies show us that we can reduce stress and combat anxiety and depression. Join me? I am loving the idea that even the oxygen LEVEL in forests can join us!

I appreciate the music that takes me into a state of relaxation to begin…enjoy YOUR own choice! We are all different in our tastes. But, when I choose to read these words TO MYSELF…even out loud, they help me get into the mode of SELF LOVE that I know is desperately important right now. Feel free to copy these words, or if you send an email to me, I am happy to send you a word document with these words on them.

ENJOY!

Meditation WORDS for BREATHING, Relaxation, and Self LOVE

FOREST BATHING

• I am breathing LOVE and alignment into every cell of my body.
• Just for today…I ALLOW the worries of the world to melt away.
• I give myself permission to relax.
• I let go of thoughts that no longer serve my peace.
• My body is relaxed and my mind is at ease.
• I let go and allow everything to be as it is for now.
• Like the trees, I am grounded and steady from passing storms! I can sway back & forth and feel every movement in my body bringing love and peace into my BEING.
• Fear has no power over me when I am rooted in this present moment.
• My heart is in balance and my emotions are in harmony and I am filled with inner peace.
• I am SAFE, I TRUST. I SURRENDER. I let go and trust life will guide me on my path.
• With each breathe I release any unwanted thoughts. I am nourished and cared for by GOD…the LIVING GOD right within me.
• Healing takes time…I am patient.

LOVE and HUGS in YOUR FOREST Bath! ~ Terry