Shinrin-Yoku

I just ran across a concept that originated in Japan called shinrin-yoku (no, do not ask me how to pronounce that). This roughly translates into 'forest-bathing,' or taking a walk outside, in the woods, to benefit from the 'natural aromatherapy.'

 What I find fascinating about this is that it is not just a cultural activity, but has also been studied in a somewhat methodological way. See, for example, this study titled "Trends in research related to "Shinrin-yoku" in Japan.". The paper is quite extensive, citing several different measures (objective and subjective) in several different forests in Japan.

Another article, currently in press, links this shinrin-yoku concept with an improvement in depressive symptoms. A well written summary of the findings from that article are described here by a fairly well known exercise and fitness writer, Alex Hutchinson.

 What struck me about this article is the explanation (beyond the supposed intake of essential oils, which seems dubious) of the difference between voluntary and involuntary attention. The author states that voluntary attention, i.e. those things we have to focus on to get through the day, such as work, driving, and other distractions can be mentally, if not physically, exhausting. By contrast, going out into the woods (or some other quiet, natural area) allows their involuntary focus to take control; in other words, your mind is allowed to wander, and your brain gets a mental respite of sorts.

 This is fascinating for me on many levels, mostly because I seem to experience this phenomenon whenever I am able to get out into the woods for either a run, hike, or anything else. My mind does seem to switch gears, and I am able to sort out my thoughts, understand what I am feeling or thinking, and often experience moments of clarity about difficult issues or decisions I have to make. Without fail, I feel more relaxed, in a better mood, and better able to face whatever is being thrown at me afterwards. I often find that I do not get these same benefits if I run on the road/sidewalk; perhaps my involuntary attention never quite wins out over the voluntary attention in those settings.

These are also the times I get a much more clear sense of God, and what he is trying to get me to hear. It is far too easy to be dsitracted by music, people, TV, the internet, or any other stimuli that often surround us. Just simply leaving that ll behind, and getting out into the peace and quite of a natural setting can not only remove those distractions, but switch our focus entirely.

If you do not do so already, I would encourage you to take your next run in a natural setting; it could be a trail, park, or anything like that (and without your Ipod!). You may find your mind wander into areas that it has not been in a while. Perhaps you may finally hear God's voice in a way you have not in a while, either.