Shinrin yoku - What ???
I had never heard of this, but apparently the English term for this Japanese phrase is 'Forest Bathing' - ok if you are like me you may now think Wild swimming in a forest but no - it simply means being in a forest and relaxing ....
Shinrin yoku is part of a wider understanding and acceptance of the benefits of making a connection with nature in order to soothe our minds and heal our bodies. Born in Japan in the early 1980's, its use by doctors as an antidote to the stresses of modern life has begun to get noticed worldwide.
To me surely that must mean being naked in a forest must be even better since we are then truly connected with nature.
By the way I only came across this as it was listed as an activity with Forest Holidays - but they don't mention stripping off - I wouldn't be surprised if many do in Japan. That said if you are enjoying the forest naked and someone asks what are you doing - you can now state Shinrin yoku (Forest Bathing).
So if you are feeling stressed, get to a forest, get naked and bathe. :laugh:
How do I pronounce shinrin yoku?
It’s easy to pronounce by splitting it into syllables. ‘Shin’ as in the bone beneath your knee, ‘rin’ to rhyme with shin, ‘yo’ to rhyme with go and ‘ku’ to rhyme with who. Shin-rin-yo-ku.
details are from the forest holiday site....
https://www.forestholidays.co.uk/things-to-do/forest-bathing-faqs
Well basically yes, I have heard of it, and I suppose it is what I like to do, the next best thing being my allotment that does trees on it.
Simply being outdoors naked or clothed has always been an inspiration for me. There is a real feel good factor. It's good to know that others are discovering this. It gives me hope that people are recognising the fragile nature of the world we all share.
All that needs to happen now is for people to discover the joy of being naked.
Being naked is one of the simple joys of life.