In Japan, they practice something called forest bathing aka shinrin-yoku. Shinrin meaning “forest,” and yoku meaning “bath.” It is not hiking. There is no jogging. It is just simply soaking in the atmosphere. The sights, the smells, the sounds. Opening up the senses and grounding the nervous system. I started seeing articles about forest bathing a few years ago. It is 100% the kind of therapy I would like to incorporate into my life. So… I started doing this at the farm once a week. I don’t walk up and immediately start shopping. I take 30 minutes or so to just wander, sometimes with my camera. I get entranced by the bees, marvel at the seedlings that just breaking ground or just sit and watch everything grow. I watch the clouds cruise by over head and breathe deep. Plants have aromatic compounds called phytoncides that can increase the number of natural killer cells in the body. These are the white blood cells that support the immune system and are linked to a lower risk of cancer. They are also believed to be important in fighting infections and inflammation, which we now know cause disease. It may not be a forest but I doubt the benefits are any less. I want to make Farm Bathing a thing. Who’s in? If you are in Austin there are several spots to choose from but there are options all over. Check out this handy dandy map to find one near you.
Day 243: Fresh croissant I picked up at the farm stand with spicy mustard, cream cheese, smoked salmon, farm fresh cucumbers and avocado. A croissant on a Saturday seems to be nearly a new ritual for me. They’re just too satisfying to pass up. Everyone needs a little indulgence, I guess for now this is mine.
