Original Magic: The Rituals and Initiations of the Persian Magi - Michael M. Hughes 2018

Nature Bathing
Self-Care and Resilience

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is the practice of immersing yourself in the natural world. It is a cornerstone of alternative health and wellness in Japan, where it was developed in the 1980s and where its many practical health benefits have been studied and measured. And it’s utterly simple: find a wooded natural area. Go spend time there, wandering, with your senses and consciousness relaxed, open, and aware.

You don’t need to travel to a state or national park, either. A local city park, arboretum, or even a quiet garden will work.

Forest bathing doesn’t just benefit you physically. It is a remarkable boon to your magic. Starhawk compares spending time in nature to eating your green vegetables, and she’s absolutely right. You can’t be completely healthy and whole if you’re cut off from the energies of the natural world, so you need to set aside the time and stick to it. Even if it’s only ten minutes, do it.