When I first heard the term forest bathing a few years ago, I thought it sounded a little silly.
I already walk outside every day — through my neighborhood, across the golf course, or around my own garden. Why would I need a special name for that?
But last week, something shifted when my friend Lenna invited me to my very first Qi Gong class, held in a small clearing deep in the forest.
Qi Gong itself carries its own special energy — slow, deliberate movements that feel at once grounding and expansive. But doing it among trees so tall I could hardly see their tops, with the air rich with the scent of pine and damp fallen logs, the experience was amplified on another level.
It was quiet enough to hear the layered songs of the birds. Humbling, too — a reminder that we are such a small part of a planet that has existed for billions of years before us.
The concept of forest bathing began in Japan (where it’s called shinrin-yoku) as a way to reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and rekindle our connection to the natural world.
For an hour, in that forest, I unplugged from the world of screens and notifications, and plugged into something much older, steadier, and wiser.
Maybe that’s what forest bathing is really about: not just walking through nature, but letting nature walk through you.
As for my introduction to Qi Gong, it was incredible.
I loved it so much that I asked Lenna to teach a class at my house in the garden next month. It will be a chance to slow down, breathe, and get re-centered. If you are interested, reply to this email and I’ll be happy to share the details.
I hope you get the chance to step into nature today and give yourself a bit of a reset.
Happy Wednesday!
-Jackie
