Happy New Year!
This is the year of the Forest Bath. Why? I’m glad you asked.
My debut picture book, FOREST BATH, comes out this year (February 10th)! So, it’s a partially selfish reason.
This year, I’m going analog (more on that later) and being outside more often seems like a great way to do that.
Being outside is good for the soul. And heart. And brain.
As it is January 1st, there is no time like the present to get outside. Now, what exactly IS a Forest Bath? The term forest-bathing is the literal translation of the Japanese term shinrin-yoku, which is the practice of spending time in nature with no agenda other than taking it in as a sensory experience. Spending time in nature in this way is said to have both physical and mental health benefits. And even if it doesn’t, it’s never a bad day when you get outside.
Today’s Forest Bath was brought to you by a 1 degree wind-chill, but was about as peaceful as they come.
In 2019, I traveled to Finland. While there, I learned that kids go outside at school about every 45 minutes every single day regardless of weather. Remember, this is Finland where they are no strangers to snow and sub zero temps. Coming from Michigan, I'm also no stranger to the cold, but we don't go outside for recess unless the wind-chill is 0⁰ or above. When I asked if it ever just gets too cold for the kids, the response was this: there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
It turns out this is a common phrase in most Nordic countries and it's something I immediately took to heart. Being able to get outside and breathe in the fresh air is so good for us that conditions don't matter, your response to it does.
I haven't always loved winter, but it has become one of my favorite times of year to be in the forest. No bugs, no poison ivy, no bears, and the type of quiet you only get when there's snow on the ground.
In my new book (yes, I’m going to mention it again), the characters take a Forest Bath throughout the seasons thanks to the brilliant illustrator, Maggie Gabel. My hope is that it shows readers that there is no bad weather to get outside. Okay, maybe there is SOME bad weather, but you get the point.
So, gear up and get outside this year if you're able. You'll always feel better once you do.
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