Forest Bathing Shinrin Yoku in Victoria BC at Francis King Regional Park - Vlog 111

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This past Friday I had the honour of embarking on a mystical rainforest tour with John Fraser at Francis King Regional Park here on Vancouver Island.
elementalmagic...
With reverence and an attitude of devotion we entered into the forest bathing mindful, meditative walk. Forest bathing is something that originated in Japan, however John has brought in his experience as a clinical counsellor and knowledge of shamanism as well.
Forest bathing means, taking in the forest atmosphere. The technique was developed in Japan in the 1980s and is an important part of their preventative healthcare. Since the 1980s there has been a lot of research to support the health benefits of taking a slow interactive walk through the forest.
With forest bathing we slow down and allow all of our senses to become immersed in the natural and alive ecosystem. There are times when we open our sense of smell, turn to our sense of touch, listen more attentively with our ears, take in the visual colours, lines and textures of the forest, we even tasted some of the young growth of the forest.
As our guide, John encouraged us to slow down and let go of our rushing and busy-ness. The research collected on forest bathing shows that it boosts your immune system, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps to alleviate depression.
The trees emit natural essential oils that are incredible healing and soothing for us as we breathe them in. These essential oils produced by the trees, plants, flowers and berries of the forest. The trees emit the essential oils, called phytoncides to help protect themselves from germs and insects. However for humans, these essential oils smell fresh and actually help to improve our immune function.
What stood out most to me is that when we enter into the forest we enter into a relationship. It is not one sided. We do not go into the space only to take, but recognize that there is a kinship to be respected. We approach every living and dying being in the forest with respect as we would a friend, asking permission.
With forest bathing there is no particular destination in mind. You allow yourself to open your senses, let go of your agendas and immerse yourself in the moments that nature provides.
If you watched all the way to the end of this video put, “I hear the call of the raven” in the comments
Here are two poems I wrote from the resonance of my last experience of forest bathing:
hello forest
by Melissa West
hello forest,
is now a good time?
are you up for a respectful visitor?
hello forest
may I come in?
if I promise to slow down my breathing?
I know you are hurting
and so am I...
may I share my burdens,
and promise to hear yours,
the way trusted friends
listen to each other?
it has taken too long
but I'm beginning to understand,
that we are both extremely
sensitive and empathetic.
so when I come to your
door,
I won´t barge right in
but pause --
and reflect on how I enter.
dreamcatchers in the sun
by Melissa West
when I miss my grandma
I enter the forest
and feel the strength of the living elders
even in death
the woodland comforts
offering vitality and new possibility
nursing logs breathe new life
into young saplings
while the shadow of a fern
dances over a decaying leaf
the softness of grandmother red cedar
cushions the impossibility of life´s
decisions
while cedar branches swoop up
in the most optimistic smiles
making dreamcatchers in the sun

[@orlennabretherick2775]

I love to hear the call of the Raven. I love your poems. I haven't heard the term forest bathing before but I got wonderful goosebumpy feelings immersing myself in this vlog and remembering special connections I've made in forests. You do meet such incredible and interesting people. Thanks for sharing xxx

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

Thank you so much for your kind comment Orlenna...love those raven sounds and you're right I do meet some interesting people...John was a wonderful guide into forest bathing :)

[@oceaneyes57]

I live in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest . I feel the healing properties everyday. There is always something new that enlivens all my senses daily.❤

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

wonderful to feel :)

[@calmtube7754]

I аgree with yоu.;) And by the wаy I hаve а gооd relаx musiс, tоо. ▶

[@ninabryden5917]

I love the call of the raven! We are in the Seattle area offering day-long experiences in the forest, including organic root cooking, forest bathing, yoga, tarp shelters, and knife skills. We really enjoyed your video!

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

wow...how interesting Nina :) :) happy adventures :)

[@calmtube7754]

I аgree with yоu.;) And by the wаy I hаve а gооd relаx music, tоо. ♥

[@yvonneb-t3d]

I love to hear the call of the Raven. I am so happy you and John have shared this wonderful Forest Bathing experience. I am honoured to know you both.

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

thank you Yvonne, John is lovely and the ravens croaking is peaceful :)

[@calmtube7754]

I аgree with yоu.;) And by the wаy I hаve а gооd relаx musiс, tоо. ☀

[@rickwiers1905]

I love to hear the call of the Raven! I just started forest bathing. I knew there was something that felt "home" when I was in the deep woods or the mountains and I agree Nature is observing us as well.

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

Yes 🙌

[@empireofpeaches]

Thank you Melissa, great interview and forest walk. I am keen to learn more and begin to share my awe of the forest with others via forest bathing. I love the call of the raven!

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

those ravens :) :) love them :)

[@calmtube7754]

I аgree with yоu.;) And by the wаy I hаve а gооd relаx musiс, tоо. ◽

[@MegaFunkified]

It made me cry when you read the threshold prayer. This is what I am going to start doing in Bellingham!

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

have fun with it Cindy :)

[@sacredcirclestudiopresents9676]

Oh yes it would be 111 for Forest Bathing tht was fabulous esp THRESHOLD woah loved it !! Your poem sublime this is one of favourite VLOGs... I love to hear the call of the Raven

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

you're so kind BJ, thank you :)

[@TheMjcoop88]

I love the call of the Raven!

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

love their sounds :)

[@kristagayton6788]

I love to hear the call of the raven!

[@heatherhillis928]

I love to hear the call of the raven. We will be there next week! Can’t wait!

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

hope you enjoy your trip Heather :)

[@valerie-og4ui]

I love to hear the call of the raven. Yes, I’ve bathed in the forest. It was a place of preparation for my Mohave Desert Vision Quest. I cried , like an injured puppy, when I began watching this vlog. Namaste

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

I do hope your tears were of joy Valerie :) Thank you for sharing :)

[@luciejean1]

The forests surrounding Victoria are calling me!

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

so lovely to hear Lucie :)

[@garym5949]

Gee Melissa what a beautiful and fantastic way to...find yourself....by forest bathing...when I walk in the woods I want to make sure that I feel as one with the trees...I am just a dot compared to the majesty of the forest with the birds who surround us with their beautiful songs....im really at peace when I smell the aroma of pine!

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

lovely to hear Gary, thank you for sharing :)

[@elucevanlestelle2247]

That is truly amazing!! Thank you for sharing this blog. That is the kind of therapist that I would love to have. I grew up in the countryside and walked distances to go to school. So it bring me so many beautiful memories. Much Love Melissa... Arianne

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

so pleased it brought you back to your childhood and fond memories :)

[@calmtube7754]

I аgree with yоu.;) And by the wаy I hаve а gооd relаx musiс, tоо. ♣

[@JoBelascoHorsewoman]

Absolutely loved this, Melissa! My nonprofit, Tapestry Institute, helps people reconnect to nature. We were founded by a Choctaw (Native American) scientist and educator so we operate within Indigenous worldview. One of the main tenets of that is to be in relationship and reciprocity with the natural world. The way you entered the forest and interacted once there is in that same vein. We had people do that when they came to our ranch for programs and also in a program we did with Mustangs and mindfulness. I just loved this blog! Thank you for sharing your experience. :-)

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

Oh wow Jo, how lovely it was for you to share this with everyone...thank you :) so interesting :)

[@calmtube7754]

I аgree with yоu.;) And by the wаy I hаve а gооd relаx musiс, tоо. ♦

[@micheleabercrombie-riva6071]

HI Melissa, I just got around to watching this - fab-u- lous - I love that intention - entering the forest full of gratitude as if you were visiting a dear friends house, Mark and I both love woods and forests, the deep sense of peace, and the eternal. I will be sure to be more reverent in future, to create an exchange. "I love to hear the call of the Ravens", we have more crows, jack dores and rooks, but I love to hear them too.

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

Lovely to hear Michele, I don't think I've heard a rook before...perhaps in England a long time ago :)

[@calmtube7754]

I аgree with yоu.;) And by the wаy I hаve а gооd relаx musiс, tоо. ♦

[@christinebarone2151]

I now only love the call of,the raven, but I sport a beautiful raven tattoo on my back over 16 years now. Love shin rin yoku! A beautiful but expensive course. Amazing

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

how interesting Christine...love me some raven croaks :)

[@cgridge]

I love to hear the call of the raven. I found an article about this as pertaining to Parks in Arkansas. It says that more than 1/2 of Arkansas is covered in forestland-18 million acres, 20% of which is public land, so what am I waiting for! 😍🌲🌿

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

Happy travels and exploring Carrie :) :)

[@rachel1862]

Ilove to hear the call of the Raven I would love to bathe in the forest it sounds amazing

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

It was so cathartic Diane :)

[@MariaMartinez-kr1ub]

I love to here the call of the raven 😀

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

Me too Maria...love their croaking :)

[@PaigeLovesPumpkins]

I love to hear the call of the ravens.

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

love their croaking :)

[@familyofmarsharhein2146]

I love to hear the call of the raven.

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

I do love hearing them croak :) they're awesome :)

[@superH3108]

Melissa, why don't you try doing this totally barefoot ??? That soil you stepped on is priceless. Our feet were created to be bare and that's why there are a number of sensors/nerve endings under our feet which connects to your entire body from top to toe. When you walk on surface such as gravel and stones/ pebbles our entire body gets a stimulation through these sensory points. The other thing's by walking barefoot you directly connect with Mother Nature. She gas so much of good thibgs in offer to lead a healthy lifestyle.If you're worried that you mighty step on dangerous objects,don't be because while our eyes scan the the area ahead of our mind guides every step we take.This process takes place automatically. The other thing's when you're walking on naked feet you tend to be extra careful. I am doing this for a considerable period of time and have not met with any injuries.When you start walking the soles of your feet gets strong in no time. After a few months of continues walking develops a fatty padding under your feet which nit only protects your feet but makes them beautiful shapy and healthy. It's very easy to begin. Start from home,be barefoot whwhenever you're at home and then gradually extend it to your garden. In other words whenever you're at home inside or out in the garden be barefoot. Your feet and soles will adjust in very quickly and once thay srart feeling various textures of soil between their toes they urge you through your brain to go barefoot, because that feeling is out of this world. Not even the most comfortable shoes can take that place. Pls. take my word and try doing it. Once your feet gets that feeling you will never feel lie caging your feet and soles inside this miserable thing called footwear. Go barefoot for good health and happy feet !!!

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

thank you Hiran, will ponder :)

[@StressRUs]

We are always in Nature, no matter how much we destroy and distort Her. We are a homicidal and suicidal species due to our massive overpopulation. Stress R Us

[@anitamcdonald6632]

I love the call of the Raven!

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

me too :)

[@chrissilverhand1]

I love to hear the call of the raven.

[@YogaLifestylewithMelissa]

me too :)

[@calmtube7754]

I аgree with yоu.;) And by the wаy I hаve а gооd relаx musiс, tоо. ◽