One aspect of forest bathing that fascinates me is that its effects seem to go beyond simple relaxation.
We often think of nature as reducing stress, but perhaps something deeper is happening. A forest is an extraordinarily coherent living system, with trees, fungi, microbes, water, light, and chemistry continuously exchanging information. Our own biology evolved within environments like these.
It makes me wonder whether part of the benefit comes from our nervous system and physiology re-synchronizing with patterns of coherence that modern environments rarely provide.
Whether we explain it through neuroscience, physiology, or biophysics, the lived experience is remarkably consistent: people often leave the forest feeling not just calmer, but somehow more fully themselves.
Exactly! That’s what I tried to lay out here in this. I also wrote a while back about the effects on economic items and how that relates to what you’re saying here!
I'm glad we're thinking along similar lines. I find the coherence perspective incredibly fruitful because it seems to connect so many observations that otherwise remain separate. I'll definitely look up your piece on the economic dimension—that sounds like a fascinating extension of the same underlying principle. Thanks for pointing me toward it.
Thank you so much. That's very thoughtful of you. I really appreciate it. I was searching for it. I'll read it now. I enjoy seeing how the same underlying principles reveal themselves across such different domains. Looking forward to it! 😊
Leave your phone at home and go visit the Trees. They are our friends and ask nothing of us in return except to be noticed. I walk every day and greet the trees and bushes as friends. My dog enjoys them too. Nothing complicated, just a nice Bath in Nature. Try it, and you might reconnect with yourself again!!!
Thank you for sharing the science behind the experience of “forest bathing.” It explains what I know to be true - trees are healers and long for us to be in their presence.
Reading this as a Finn made me smile :) We spend so much time in forests that it's easy to forget how extraordinary they are, they ask nothing from us, and maybe that's exactly why they give us so much.
I have a great walking path directly behind my job and for my hour lunch I am able to be immersed in nature and man made pond and trees for my hour break. It does often leave me feeling more relaxed and at peace. I at first didn't think I was liking my job but this changed everything and now it feels very rewarding! Today I put my hand on two different trees and thanked them for existing. Great piece!
I love this! Thank you so much for sharing! It’s amazing that your work place is situated like that so you can take a break with nature and have a reset!
It is nottttt easy! I will say. But it’s been very rewarding! Sometimes I do sit down to batch write! Like I will take an entire day or two just to read, research and compile a weeks worth. I really am so thankful for Substacks Schedule ahead feature!
I do! Lol! But also just reading books or going on walks is infinitely inspiring! And chatting here with people always seems to prompt more ideas and a ton more questions!
One aspect of forest bathing that fascinates me is that its effects seem to go beyond simple relaxation.
We often think of nature as reducing stress, but perhaps something deeper is happening. A forest is an extraordinarily coherent living system, with trees, fungi, microbes, water, light, and chemistry continuously exchanging information. Our own biology evolved within environments like these.
It makes me wonder whether part of the benefit comes from our nervous system and physiology re-synchronizing with patterns of coherence that modern environments rarely provide.
Whether we explain it through neuroscience, physiology, or biophysics, the lived experience is remarkably consistent: people often leave the forest feeling not just calmer, but somehow more fully themselves.
Has anyone else noticed that distinction?
Exactly! That’s what I tried to lay out here in this. I also wrote a while back about the effects on economic items and how that relates to what you’re saying here!
I'm glad we're thinking along similar lines. I find the coherence perspective incredibly fruitful because it seems to connect so many observations that otherwise remain separate. I'll definitely look up your piece on the economic dimension—that sounds like a fascinating extension of the same underlying principle. Thanks for pointing me toward it.
I just restacked it for you! It’s sort of in line with what we were talking about. I hope you enjoy it. ☺️
Thank you so much. That's very thoughtful of you. I really appreciate it. I was searching for it. I'll read it now. I enjoy seeing how the same underlying principles reveal themselves across such different domains. Looking forward to it! 😊
Leave your phone at home and go visit the Trees. They are our friends and ask nothing of us in return except to be noticed. I walk every day and greet the trees and bushes as friends. My dog enjoys them too. Nothing complicated, just a nice Bath in Nature. Try it, and you might reconnect with yourself again!!!
100%!! Love this
Thank you for sharing the science behind the experience of “forest bathing.” It explains what I know to be true - trees are healers and long for us to be in their presence.
They truly are! It’s a wonder to have them so easily accessible if we take our time to visit them 🤍
When I feel fractured, having a conversation within the forest restores and refreshes my energy.
I love this!
Reading this as a Finn made me smile :) We spend so much time in forests that it's easy to forget how extraordinary they are, they ask nothing from us, and maybe that's exactly why they give us so much.
Such a beautiful thing!
There’s a kind of intelligence in the forest that asks nothing of us, and somehow that’s exactly what restores us.
Presence as the cure. Nothing to optimize. Just belonging. Thank you!
Truly! Thank you too!
I have a great walking path directly behind my job and for my hour lunch I am able to be immersed in nature and man made pond and trees for my hour break. It does often leave me feeling more relaxed and at peace. I at first didn't think I was liking my job but this changed everything and now it feels very rewarding! Today I put my hand on two different trees and thanked them for existing. Great piece!
I love this! Thank you so much for sharing! It’s amazing that your work place is situated like that so you can take a break with nature and have a reset!
How on earth are you able to put out an article a day like this!
It is nottttt easy! I will say. But it’s been very rewarding! Sometimes I do sit down to batch write! Like I will take an entire day or two just to read, research and compile a weeks worth. I really am so thankful for Substacks Schedule ahead feature!
That’s bafflingly impressive wow! You must have a notes app somewhere with an infinite amount of ideas😄 so inspiring :)
I do! Lol! But also just reading books or going on walks is infinitely inspiring! And chatting here with people always seems to prompt more ideas and a ton more questions!
I love the trees.