Here are 5 techniques you can do:
For a long time now Paul Curtis, natural history photographer, takes people from all walks of life into the North Queensland rainforests to learn to photograph in the depths of darkness and mystery but unbeknownst to them they are forest bathing in the energy of Mother Nature and the vibes of the living microbes. So how does this work?
In our e-shop is a book called Heritage of Trees by Paul Curtis. He started his career in the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service where his love of the beauty of nature was spurred to become a photographer of some of the most exquisite visual presentations of Nature. He particularly focuses on the Rainforests of far north Queensland.
Paul considers forest bathing as part of his health protocol and is often not found online because where he goes, Wi-Fi does not.
This coffee table book of par excellence imagery is worth every page to meditate with and be still if you can’t get to a rainforest because your subconscious does not know the difference. A must have.
Simply breathe in the images! Use your imagination to feel the cool, smell the sweet earth and the fine mist on your face, up your nose. Breathe in the biome.
The mist is often rich with phytoncides, natural compounds emitted by plants and trees.
These organic compounds, which include essential oils, are part of a plant's defense mechanism against harmful insects and disease.
When humans inhale these phytoncides, it has been found to boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall feelings of well-being. This effect demonstrates profound physiological and psychological benefits, including decreased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and enhanced activity of natural killer (NK) cells which are a type of white blood cell that supports immune system health, and plays a crucial role in the body's defense against viruses and tumors.
Increased activity of NK cells can help the body fight against infections and potentially cancerous cells.
Cancer and Phytoncides: While phytoncides have been associated with boosting immune function and may help in creating a body environment less conducive to cancer growth, it is important to clarify that they do not cure cancer.
No conclusive scientific evidence directly links phytoncides with curing cancer. Instead, their health benefits are supportive and preventative, contributing to overall well-being and a potentially lower risk of disease development, including some types of cancer.
This interaction not only highlights the intrinsic connection between humans and nature but also underscores the health benefits of spending time in natural, forested environments.
CONNECT WITH MOTHER NATURE
Soak up the tranquility. This is not just a walk in the park, it is an immersion in the ancient practice of Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing.
There are many research papers on the topic which reveal that spending time amidst nature significantly reduces stress, boosts immunity, and enhances overall well- wellbeing. The living microbes, especially the Mycelium Vaccae is a natural antidepressant, and there it is free in the living soil.
To do the Forest Bathing consider the following:
Slow Down and Release All the Thoughts: Leave your phone behind, unless you need for safety, but perhaps use airplane mode. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the present moment and focus on the bird call, or notice/feel tree bark, observe the sun filtering through the leaves on the ground or the cool air on your skin, and just be with the living goodness of all things.
Breathe Deeply: Breathe deep slowly and focus on lowering your heartbeat. Be still. Notice your chest rise and fall with each breath as the tension in your body is released, and inner peace rises from inside your body and mind.
Be Mindful Pacing: Wander through and observe all around you – the leaves, the fallen trees, engage all your senses and allow yourself to be fully into this world. Perhaps log hug a tree – that is part of the process of grounding electrically your body – this release is resetting your nervous system and so lacking in our world of every day. Wear linen, cotton, or silk this also assists in the grounding.
Quietly Listen to Nature’s Sounds: the voice in your head can be louder than the noise in the street, switch it off as you focus on the forest sound, trickling water, some rain mist falling sounds on the leaves of trees, the natural bird, insect, frog sounds.
Be Thankful with Gratitude: Expressing gratitude for the beauty, the time to have to do, the life force around you. Acknowledging the living things and your place in this world, how amazing that you were even born to be here.
Forest Bathing is a personal journey or enquiry, it is what works for you at that time, only you.
Allow nature to wrap her arms around you and hold you, heal you, and be well to your highest self and live your best life. This is all because the living microbe in the forest carries the vibe of wellness and there would be no forest without her army of protectors and repairers. We live well and the planet is well.
At Earthfood HQ we have Karawatha Forest about 2 mins drive away and we can sometimes find ourselves having a ‘walk and talk’ meeting through the pathways just so we can be our best in the business for our clients and the Earth where we can. That's our 'Walk and Talk' meetings.
Write to us, let us know your forest bathing experience or favorite natural spaces to reconnect to the abundance of living.
And remember to share the Earthfood love.
Bron