#Forest Bathing

[victd]

misty runs through the forest

[parasolladyansy]

The lotus flower grows in darkness, rises above the mire, & blooms, purifying the pond with her beauty 🏞️🪷

In BW2, Ansy loved to go to the White Forest - she often felt better when she’s immersed in nature. She loved listening to the leaves rustle in the wind, like gentle ocean waves. She loved the beautiful ponds full of Lotad, where Rain would love to swim - in the summer, it would be in bloom.

She took a lot of wisdom from the flowers: hope, growing through pain, & turning it to strength, however quiet or loud, when she encounters Pokemon thieves like Team Plasma lol.

I’ve found that just choosing to blossom, choosing to be yourself, to be a good person with integrity who’s not afraid to speak the truth however you can, no matter how dark your circumstances get, can be the greatest act of defiance in the face of adversity. The ones who would want to pull you down or stunt your healing might get salty or smug - let them. All they do is show you who they are, & makes it all that much easier for you KonMari your contacts as needed.✌🏻

—

So um. THANK YOU FOR THE 1000+ FOLLOWS! 878! I’m just a Pokémon nerd who likes to draw, & here you all are! 🥲🩵 As I’ve said before, I’m very grateful for you & my comic. Which I need to work more on. But I keep getting distracted. XD

Take care! 🩵

[deadxclown]

Aesthetic baths

[gachacoins]

2024年07月16日

【推しドラマから学ぶ♡】感情に蓋をしないってこういうこと！ (by Tsubameya みん)

[justalittlesolarpunk]

Solarpunk Sunday Suggestion

Visit a forest and look at the beautiful autumn leaves (if you’re in the northern hemisphere) or the beautiful spring buds and flowers (if you’re in the southern hemisphere)

[junglerain]

We made eye contact for almost a minute.

East Park West Midlands England.

14th July 2024.

[sarahmackattack]

It is important, when you see a snail, to stop, and enjoy the snail.

[jamesreads]

would you like to see the forest?

[reality-detective]

Shinrin-Yoku, first established in Japan is a growing global wellness movement backed by 30 years of scientific research on the physical and psychological benefits of immersing yourself in nature.  Known as forest bathing, forest therapy can lower blood pressure and trigger a dramatic increase in the activity of natural killer (NK) cells produced by the immune system to ward off infection and fight disease. Spending three days in the forest has been shown to increase NK activity by 50 percent. The natural chemicals secreted by evergreen trees, collectively known as phytoncide, have been associated with improvements in health focusing on reducing the effects of chronic stress.

Walking in a forest is known as Prescription Green and the benefits are enormous for overall mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. 🤔

[the-hermit-at-midnight]

A friend from Idaho sends me random nature pics every week. I love it. It’s like having a little trip to the woods when I can’t go myself.

[shamandrummer]

The Healing Power of Nature

In the fast-paced modern world, stress and fatigue have become an almost routine part of life. We often find ourselves overwhelmed by deadlines, responsibilities, and constant notifications. And yet, amidst all the chaos, nature offers us a timeless sanctuary--a place where we can breathe, reconnect, and heal. The healing power of nature is undeniable. Whether it's the calming waves of the ocean, the cool shade of a forest, or the breathtaking vista from a mountain peak, nature has a way of quieting our minds and rejuvenating our spirits.

The Science Behind Nature's Healing Effects

Research over the past few decades has shown that spending time in nature has numerous physical and mental health benefits. In fact, doctors in various parts of the world are beginning to "prescribe" time outdoors as a form of treatment. Studies have found that being in natural settings can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and even improve our immune system. For instance, a study conducted by the University of Exeter found that people who spent at least 120 minutes per week in nature were significantly more likely to report good health and higher psychological well-being than those who didn't.

Our brains are wired to respond positively to natural environments. When we're outside, we experience what scientists call "soft fascination," a state of gentle focus where we can observe our surroundings without being overstimulated. This natural engagement gives our brain the opportunity to rest and reset, which is why even a short walk in the park can leave us feeling refreshed.

Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes

Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments. Think mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy. Generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy.

Ions are molecules that have gained or lost an electrical charge. They are created in nature as air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, and moving air and water. You may have experienced the power of negative ions when you last set foot on the beach or walked beneath a waterfall. While part of the euphoria is simply being around these wondrous settings and away from the normal pressures of home and work, the air circulating in the mountains and the beach is said to contain tens of thousands of negative ions.

Nature as a Place of Reflection and Connection

Nature has a unique way of putting life into perspective. Watching the sun set over a lake, observing the resilience of a tree that has withstood countless storms, or feeling the energy of a river rushing downstream can make our personal struggles seem smaller, less overwhelming. Nature's rhythms remind us that we, too, are part of something much larger, and this realization can be incredibly grounding and comforting.

Many people find solace in nature during difficult times, whether they're grieving a loss, navigating personal change, or simply feeling overwhelmed. Nature allows us to step outside our usual routines and concerns, offering a chance to reflect and find clarity. And the best part? It's free, accessible, and always there for us.

Practical Ways to Connect with Nature

Embracing nature doesn't require a plane ticket to a remote destination or a major hiking expedition (though those can be wonderful experiences too!). Here are some simple ways to harness the healing power of nature in your everyday life:

Take a Daily Walk: Whether it's a walk in your local park, around your neighborhood, or even a short stroll during your lunch break, getting outside can improve your mood and give your mind a needed break.

Create a Nature Ritual: Make it a point to spend a few moments outside each day with intentionality. Sit on your balcony or in your backyard, or even bring plants into your home if you don't have easy access to nature.

Try "Forest Bathing": This Japanese practice, called shinrin-yoku, involves immersing yourself in the forest, using all your senses to experience the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Studies show that forest bathing can significantly reduce stress and improve mood.

Engage in Outdoor Hobbies: Whether it's gardening, birdwatching, or simply reading a book under a tree, finding an activity that allows you to be outdoors in a relaxed state can be incredibly therapeutic.

Observe the Seasons: Take note of the changes each season brings. Nature's cycles can be a powerful reminder of life's ebb and flow, and observing these transformations can help us feel more connected to the world around us.

The Enduring Power of Nature

There is a simple, universal truth: nature has a way of healing us that nothing else can replicate. We are innately connected to it, whether we realize it or not, and every step we take outdoors is a step towards reconnecting with a deeper part of ourselves. Nature invites us to slow down, breathe, and remember that there is beauty and resilience in the world, no matter the challenges we face.

So next time you're feeling weighed down, consider stepping outside. Let the sun warm your face, listen to the birds, feel the breeze, and know that this world holds an endless capacity for healing. Nature's doors are always open, waiting to remind us of our place in a world that's infinitely beautiful, resilient, and, ultimately, healing.

[splendidgeryon]

"The Murmur", by Philip Gladstone (2013); acrylic on panel, 12 by 9 inches

[allthedesiredusernamesaretaken]

" The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness. "

- John Muir

📷 mine

[naturspezl]

Experience the soothing symphony of a Bavarian forest with peaceful birdsong and calming nature ambience. Ideal for deep sleep, stress relief or simply unwinding, this ambient video captures the serene beauty of a summer woodland in Germany. 🌲

Watch and relax on YouTube now: https://www.youtube.com/@NaturSpezl

[justalittlesolarpunk]

Solarpunk Sunday Suggestion

Go for a walk in the woods

[markus-h]

forest bathing