Forest Bathing

Known as "Shinrin-yoku" or forest bathing, the term literally means to take in the forest atmosphere. It was founded (officially) in Japan in the 1980s and has shown benefits such as restoration, relaxation, and calming of the senses. Now, before some of you roll your eyes think of it logistically and even scientifically if you want. An individual immersed in the forest has no background noise. There is less stress, less human interaction (that may cause more stress), and you're getting more oxygen to your brain than you would if you lived in a crowded city. More oxygen = good. Less stress = good. You see?

Trees give off an organic compound that supports cells that are part of our immune system that fight off cancer. If that alone doesn't perk up your ears I invite you to check out more benefits here. Participating in forest bathing can also help you sleep and give you more energy. Now, this is by no means a cure all and I'm not saying that if you go for a walk in the woods that you will be free from all worries and trouble...but wouldn't it be nice to just clear your head? I find that in times of stress just going out for a walk helps with clarity - regardless of if it's in a forest or not. However, I have lived in the mountains and lived in cities and there is a world of difference. 

I invite you to check this out a little if you'd like. In Japan there are retreats and places where you go to partake in the bathing. It's like a vacation for the sake of your mental well being. Nature has an incredible way of healing. Like the great Alan Watts once said,

"You didn't come into this world. You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean. You are not a stranger here."

Your beliefs may lead you elsewhere and that's fine, but at least try to get some fresh air today.

-CS

For further reading I've included some other sites and recommendations. Enjoy!

Shinrin-Yoku Forest Medicine

Shinrin Yoku, also called Forest Bathing, is a form of healing that involves simply wandering along forest trails and spending time in other natural places.

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'Forest bathing' is latest fitness trend to hit U.S. - 'Where yoga was 30 years ago'

Over thousands of years of human history, we have effectively become an indoor species. Particularly for those of us trapped in the cubicle life, often the only times we regularly step foot outside is for our daily work commute or to run errands. In 2001, a survey sponsored by the U.S.

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The Japanese practice of 'forest bathing' is scientifically proven to improve your health

The tonic of the wilderness was Henry David Thoreau's classic prescription for civilization and its discontents, offered in the 1854 essay Walden: Or, Life in the Woods. Now there's scientific evidence supporting eco-therapy. The Japanese practice of forest bathing is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost the immune system, and improve overall...

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Click the images for more!

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Furthermore, if you find yourself looking for a sign or some sort of reason to get out of wherever you are and take the trip to Japan (or elsewhere) by all means, book the trip. 

A Bit of Mountain Luxury

There is luxury and then there is mountain luxury. It's a completely different feel surrounded by intense architecture. Luxury in the mountains seems to range between the cabin type and the modern/contemporary type, but both are impressive. I have spent time in a number of some beautiful households where I've been either a party member or have stayed as a guest. For awhile, I had spent some time housesitting and let me tell you what - house sitting in the mountains is not a bad gig at all. 

Aside from the building designs there are other factors that come into play in this lavish lifestyle. As one might imagine, owning a lot of land in the mountains is also not cheap. On said lands there are livestock, water features, and even separate buildings for guests, families, and otherwise. I know of a house in Colorado that has a separate building just for yoga sessions and classes. Pictured above is a castle-like entrance to a driveway that goes so far my eyes couldn't follow. One can only imagine what the house looks like, other than the guests and owners of course. 

Mountain luxury may have an earthy vibe, but there are certainly cases where those earthy tones are put to the test.

-CS

Monday (Travel) Motivation

Mondays can be a real pain, but then again they can also be a clean slate. Sure, you might be going back into work at a job you're not particularly fond of but think of it this way; you have a job that pays you money. Now this might not be some ridiculous amount where you can live extremely lush or not bat an eye at price tags, but you're still getting paid. So...what can you do with that money?

Travel. Even the little scraps of money can someday, hopefully, buy you some travel. This could be a getaway for a day (which should never be underrated) or a week or two in a far off land of your choice. If you're smart about travel deals and packages this can take you even further. I recommend joining with a company that you see eye to eye with. Brands who have travel guides are also really helpful and I will get more into the details of that at another time. Booking flights at the right time, traveling and preparing on a budget, and exploring all of your options will help you maximize your efforts.

Where are you dreaming of on this fine Monday?

-CS