Shinrin-Yoku
Shinrin-yoku or Forest bathing is simply taking in the forest atmosphere slowly and completely. To walk and listen is much more beneficial to your mind and spirit than simply hiking a trail. There are no cell phones allowed. We belong to nature and our bodies can benefit from the resonance of the Forest. The way of the forest is to walk slow, sometimes as slow as 1 mile per hr. We stop many times to sit, breath, and listen for animals of the forest to accept our presence. Shinrin-yoku can help many people with acute or even chronic conditions. Below is a list taken from Shinrin-yoku.org.
- Boosted immune system functioning, with an increase in the count of the body's Natural Killer (NK) cells.
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced stress
- Improved mood
- Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
- Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
- Increased energy level
- Improved sleep
Just as impressive are the results that we are experiencing as we make this part of our regular practice:
- Deeper and clearer intuition
- Increased flow of energy
- Increased capacity to communicate with the land and its species
- Increased flow of eros/life force
- Deepening of friendships
- Overall increase in sense of happiness
There are miles of hiking trails at the Sugar Creek Retreat. Throughout the summer of 2016 we will be offering Saturday morning walks through Shades State Park and Pine Hills Nature Preserve. The cost is $10 per person which covers the park entrance fee. If you have a large group such as a church we have group rates. If you'd like to join us for a walk plan for about 1.5 hrs and use the calendar for available dates. Please email us to register. We'll meet in the parking lot at Sugar Creek Retreat, 8206 W State Rd 234 Waveland, IN 47989.