I’ve always been drawn to trees (and oceans), and the bigger the better. I’m in love with redwoods, pines, cypress, saplings, old gnarly trees, forests full of trees, lone trees in empty fields, short stout trees, tall skinny trees… I love them for cleaning the air and for being so darn pretty any time of year.
It turns out the sense of well-being many people feel while among trees has been known to improve health and well-being in Japan for years. Forest Bathing, authored by a physician, talks about the science behind it, and the measurable health improvements that happen with the practice of forest bathing, or shinrin yoku. Forest bathing lowers cortisol levels and blood pressure, for starters.
I’m spending the summer in Northern California, among the redwoods. Nothing makes me feel better like being among the redwoods on the ocean.
#ProudTreeHugger
Though I can definitely do without certain tree pollens…