#12 Shinrin-yoku “Forest Bathing”
Forest bathing is known as "shinrin-yoku" (森林浴) in Japanese, which translates to"forest" (森林, shinrin) and "bath" (浴, yoku). It is a practice that involves spending time in a forest to promote relaxation and connect with nature.
It is a practice enabling people to experience the profound health benefits of deepening their connection to nature. Rooted in the deep-seated Japanese appreciation of nature, Shinrin-yoku involves immersing yourself in a forest environment, and engaging all of your senses to experience the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the natural world.
This practice is very much not just a leisurely walk in the woods; it is a mindful experience aimed at reducing stress and promoting wellbeing.”
The redwood trees at Big River Farm have created a place that breathes Shinrin-yoku. Building cabins between the roots, (and sometimes over the stumps!) honors that connection to the earth, up to the small bits of sky between the branches. Light filters through in a magical way, and as the fog and rain pass by, the drips of water from the needles nourish the trees as well as remind us of the cycles of nature.
Redwoods in the Rain
Drip
Chantrell Hunting, original artwork by Debra Lennox.
Chantrelles grow in winter from the redwood duff as freshly wet banana slugs compete for a delicious treat.
Sun in the Trees
As the sun returns over the Welcome Tree, a walkabout the Farm from the orchard to the river becomes more enticing. A walk to the river begins at the Zendo & Tower trail, passing through the edge of the orchard. Around the majestic stumps grow the ferns and flowers that soften the effect of the charred scars left from logging in years past.
Lilies II, original artwork by Debra Lennox
Light thru redwoods
Majestic Redwood
In the 1960’s, when Big River Farm was being built, the folks that lived here were a tight-knit community. The Zendo was the common gathering spot for communal food, meditation & even showers. They built small buildings to sleep & write. The Big River Farm tree house has survived for 50 years before the power of the trees pulled apart the structure, which is a memory remnant to meditation, and a reminder of the everlasting power of the forest.
In the Trees, original artwork by Debra Lennox
From the Butsu Deck
Sometimes a walk in the woods can become a journey through our own emotional life. This painting is called “Toward the Light”. A sweet couple found their way back together through the forest at Russian Gulch after feeling lost searching for the waterfall. As the evening light dwindled, they returned to their car & he proposed on the spot. Forest bathing can be healing, dramatic, quiet, intense & enlightening in ways we never expect.
Redwood Sunset
