On the Trail With Dayle: Where do you like to shinrin-yoku?
By Dayle Hayes
“Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.”
The first time that I heard the words “forest bathing,” I intuitively understood and loved the basic concept. I was, however, wrong about the actual origin of the Japanese term shinrin-yoku, which I had imagined as an ancient practice cultivated by Shinto priests deep in the forests of the Japanese Alps.
Forest bathing is the literal translation of shinrin-yoku (forest and bath), but it was developed in 1982 by the Japanese Agency of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Created to promote outdoor tourist activities aimed at better health, stress management, and relaxation, it was a way to get residents of the country’s high-density urban areas to go outside. Like Gallatin Valley Land Trust, the campaign also believed that if people spent more time outdoors in forests, they would be more likely to want to protect them.
Just to be clear, forest bathing does not involve soap or towels, or even water. It is about connecting with nature and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of other living things. In its most basic form, it is as simple as walking in the woods. Simple things can always be made complicated, and so it is with shinrin-yoku. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) certifies trail consultants and offers professional development courses around the world.
I listened to the ANTF founder Amos Clifford’s book (free from Audible), Your Guide to Forest Bathing, while driving down the highway (rather than distracting from trail time). The book dives deep into the research on the benefits of shinrin-yoku as well as guidelines for getting the most out of your forest time. It reviews the numerous benefits of outdoor time—lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of stress hormones like cortisol, as well as decreased anxiety and depression. Basically, being outside increases human happiness and well-being.
While I agree completely with Clifford on the benefits, I am less convinced about his “rules” for forest bathing. For example, while I appreciate the idea of being phone-free in nature, I confess that I love using my Merlin Bird ID app when I am out on GVLT trails. In my personal experience, it is completely possible to practice forest bathing while learning the names and songs of local birds or of wildflowers and other plants. In other words, you can commune with nature without taking yourself too seriously or being too regimented.
I am delighted to walk anywhere, anytime. However, I feel especially connected to nature when I am surrounded by green (or winter brown) foliage, bird songs, and the gentle sounds of a stream or creek. While I have grown to love the big skies, open spaces, and mountain vistas of Montana, my favorite places for shinrin-yoku probably resemble the hardwood forests of New England, where I first learned the joy of hiking.
It is probably no surprise that my top forest bathing site in Bozeman is on the north side of Story Mill Community Park in the Lor Nature Sanctuary. There is a small, dense forest of aspens and other hardwoods, birds in abundance, and the rushing sounds of the East Gallatin River. Just thinking about sitting in that bird blind brings a smile to my face as I write this.
While Triple Tree and Sourdough trails are perfect for extended shinrin-yoku adventures, I often prefer forest bathing without using a car to get there and back. I can easily walk to the Gallagator Trail or Story Mill Spur from my home downtown and often include them in a longer walk just for the natural experiences they offer. If I am in need of a few moments of trees, birds, and running water, I can get them all on the short GVLT trail extension at the north end of Church Street. I often stop on one of the two bridges over Bozeman Creek for as long as it takes to let go of anxiety and let the serenity wash over me.
“But in every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks. ”
In every walk on GVLT trails, I receive the benefits of shinrin-yoku and more. What about you? Where do you like to do your forest bathing? Drop me an email at DayleHayesMT@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your thoughts about forest bathing or topics for future columns.