Spring is fully underway here in Northern Spain. The trees are starting to bud out, the spring flowers showing their happy, bright faces to the world, and little by little the warmer weather greets us with the rising sun.

Spring (along with Autumn) is my favorite season. I love watching the change from the relative sleep of Winter into the brightness of Spring. I can’t help to feel just a little lighter in my step these days (although, I admit my sinuses aren’t always the happiest with the newly released pollen).

One of my favorite things to do, especially in Spring, is what the Japanese call Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest Bathing. Here in Asturias, much like my home state of Oregon, Spring in the forests feels like walking into FernGully or Lothlorien. The forests are so magical, vibrant and ALIVE this time of year. It’s not uncommon for me to look around the forests and wonder if I can catch a glimpse of a fairy or elf flitting through the trees. All of this beauty and magic I soak up and it makes me happy down to every cell in my body.

The power of forest bathing comes from unlocking your five senses; letting nature enter your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands and feet. We are hard wired to connect with nature and being in nature has amazing health benefits—mental and physical. And sadly because of our modern lives, we don’t do enough of it.

Spending time, “bathing”, in nature does wonders to start releasing persistent tension in our body, reducing stress hormones like cortisone, and has been shown to help us feel less anxious and improve sleep.

How exactly does one bathe in a forest?

Find a spot either in a local park, forest or any natural green area you have around you. The more diverse the nature, the better. Let your body be your guide to take you where it wants within the natural space.

Take your time, walk slowly and take as much time as possible noticing and absorbing with all 5 senses. Even after 20 minutes you’ll start noticing substantial positive effects.

Try different activities, meeting your body and mind where it’s at. Perhaps just sitting and observing the leaves or a river or listening to the birds. Or maybe go for a walk with a friend or loved one. Or perhaps connect through gentle movement like yoga.

Appreciate the “silence”. Once you really start to listen, you’ll realize that it’s not silent at all, but these noises tend to be calming and easeful.

One of the things I love most about forest bathing is the fact that it reminds me I am not alone. And while watching the budding leaves pop out and the fiddleheads of ferns start to unfurl, it reminds me that no matter what is going on in life, Spring is never too far away. There are always opportunities for new beginnings and new growth, and if we take the time to look close enough, there is always magic.

Will you join me this week to do a little forest bathing? If you do, I'd love to hear how it goes for you! Send me a message in the comment box below!

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