Forest Bathing

Mindful Meditation Connecting You to Nature and Eco-Consciousness Through the Practice of Shinrin-Yoku

By: Elise Ingram

Narrated by: Andi Bishop

Most of us live in a constant state of low-level stress… and we’ve started to feel like it’s normal. If you feel like you’re always tired and struggling to relax, or if you find yourself in constant need of a vacation, there’s something wrong – and the solution is surprisingly simple. We’ve become disconnected from the natural world. Even if you have a backyard and a pleasant enough walk to the office, you’re constantly being exposed to noise and pollution… and whether you’re aware of it or not, it affects both your mental and physical health.

The solution is to bring back that connection to the natural world – and you can do it in such a way that you’ll discover more benefits than you ever realized it could offer. Enter the ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku – or “forest bathing.” You’re about to discover the restorative powers of the forest and its incredible transformative effects on well-being. But there’s more to it than a short walk through the woods. It requires you to mindfully engage with the environment and take in the complete sensory experience… and for that, you’re going to need a guide. This book is that guide.

Inside, you’ll discover: The origins of Shinrin-yoku – so you understand exactly what you’re doing (and why); Everything you need to know to prepare yourself for a truly restorative forest bathing experience; Essential mindfulness techniques you’ll need to know to get the most out of your experience; How to engage each one of your senses and connect to the forest on a deeper level; The surprising way you can use the forest as a mirror – and what it can tell you about yourself; A complete guide to getting the most out of Shinrin-yoku in every season; How to use your forest bathing to contribute to a more sustainable world; What to do when it’s hard to escape the city – the benefits of “urban nature therapy”; The secret to bringing more nature into your daily life… even when you can’t get out to commune with the trees. And much more.

©2023 Eric Porterfield (P)2024 Eric Porterfield

bring you peace and calm

Listening to this book is a peaceful and calming journey. You listen to the words and the sound, and you feel the nature's calling. It's a great peace of audio for meditation sessions. I wasn't aware of Shinrin-Yoku before, now after listening to this book, I can only say that I have grasped some basic understanding of it, and it is deep. Probably I would need to spend some more time to study and truly take it in. I'd highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a medication companion.

Perfect Guide for Nature Walk Newbies

I actually listened to this while walking in my local park, which made the whole experience more immersive. The narrator's calming voice helped me notice things I'd usually miss, like the different bird sounds and the feeling of wind on my skin. Super practical guide with great prep tips for nature walks, and I appreciated the safety advice. This book turned my regular park walks and hiking into something more meaningful and encouraged me to search for more nature walks around me. I don't mind hanging out with the trees more.

A book that will reconnect you with the essentials

I found Forest Bathing an eye-opening work that offers an in-depth look at the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku. Throughout its pages, the author guides you along serene paths through a very pleasant and enjoyable narrative, explaining how the simple action of consciously walking among trees can be a powerful antidote to the stresses of modern life. The audiobook not only highlights the mental and physical health benefits, but also implicitly invites readers to establish a more intimate and respectful relationship with the environment. I think it is essential reading if you are looking for peace of mind and a return to natural simplicity as I am. I recommend it.

A complete guide to nature's calm

This book introduces the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku—nature immersion with the intent to reduce stress and reconnect with nature. It covers mindfulness and sensory techniques for deeper immersion, like sounds and smells, how noise and stress affect our health in the modern day and how important it is to detox from that and get back into nature. I like the tips for different seasons and options for people who live in the city, as well as the historical context, making it a complete guide on everything you need to know to get started and integrate this wholesome practice into your life!

Worth listening!

Firstly, if you have the chance to experience a real connection with nature in a forest, or even a green and quiet space, then this is worth listening to.
What I liked the most about this audiobook is the story behind each technique that the reader talks about. When opening out, you will learn different religions that seriously connect with nature and the effects on the human body and soul, but then the audiobook digs into the pragmatic aspects of forest bathing. It explores the seasons and useful observations to connect with nature during the 4 seasons, the steps to choose the best place to do this, and the equipment you need to have the best experience possible. Finally, you can learn how to apply this meditation to your life.
Probably, the best of the audiobooks besides the meditation itself, were the stories the reader tells and the historical background.

Given me inspiration!

I have enjoyed listening to this. It's really accentuated for me the importance of getting more into nature and revitalizing that connection in myself. It guides you with lots and lots of ideas of what to do and how to connect with nature best. First there is research telling how we are stressed and disconnected due to starving ourselves off from more natural environments and then it goes on to advise what to do: where, how often, what clothing and seasons and so on. I like this because I've recognised the value of being in nature more and have even more inspiration and ideas now.

Refreshing & Insightful

This book offers a practical guide to reconnecting with nature through the Japanese practice of forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku). It explains how modern life’s constant noise and pollution affect our health and how immersing ourselves in nature can reduce stress and restore well-being. The book covers mindfulness techniques, tips for engaging the senses, and ways to incorporate nature into daily life, even in urban settings. It provides valuable insights and guidance for those seeking to reduce stress and enhance their connection to the natural world.

Power of Nature

Nature can help you feel better and less stressed. It introduces the practice of forest bathing, showing how it can improve your mental and physical health. The simple tips and mindfulness exercises are easy to follow, and it's a great guide for anyone looking to reconnect with nature in their daily life. I enjoyed learning how small changes can make a big difference.

Never knew about this

I never knew about this concept but I’m excited to try out some the techniques outlined in this book as I think they’ll really help me destress. The cool thing about this book is that it’s far more than just concepts as it actually covers a good deal about the history as well.

Nature’s Reset Button—Right Here!

Who knew forest bathing could be such a game-changer? This book on Shinrin-yoku is like a nature lover’s secret weapon. It’s not just about taking a walk in the woods; it’s about slowing down, soaking in the magic of nature, and reconnecting with your senses. I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I tried it. Now, I’m obsessed with getting my daily dose of green. The mindfulness tips are super easy to follow, and it even works if you’re stuck in the city. Total zen in a book—highly recommend if you need a mental reset!