Shinrin Yoku: Reconnecting to your Wild Self and healing with Trees
- Naima Namaste
- Jan 29, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Being in a forest is probably one of my favorite activity in life. Simply observing the trees and walking in the wood provides me a lot of pleasure and inspiration for my paintings.
I have a passion and respect for those beautiful and amazing living beings. Trees have inspired me deeply for my art, so much that when I started to go back to paint, my first serie of paintings were inspired by the Redwood Forest in California.
Besides the beautiful energy they provide to us humans, I find it so interesting to look at them with a closer eye, the bark, the leaves, the fungi and basically everything because it is a true work of art.
Photographing and journaling about my travels in nature is part of my Art process.
So before I go on a exploring journey in my region, I like to take note of the gardens, parks, but especially check if there are old forests.
Do you have a favorite forest? If yes, don’t hesitate to share it with me in the comments.
Where does the term Forest Bathing comes from?
"Shinrin Yoku" is a tradition born in Japan. It describes the benefit of connecting to the trees and walking in the wood. Why it is essential for our well being.
When you walk into a forest, you immediately feel a sensation of peace. Your body relaxes and at the same time each of your senses awaken.
What happens when you make one with nature
Your eyes are wide open and amazed by the beauty of the colors, the texture of the trees…your ears are carefully listening to the sounds (music) of the leaves, the wind, the birds, the sound of your footsteps…your nose smells the beautiful aromas that comes from the trees…
well I think for a second you might have been back in your favorite forest in your mind?"
In many of my art, you will always notice water, trees, leaves...now you know why.
I hope you find inner peace in nature today and that it will inspire you to create!
Naïma
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