We often forget that we are Nature. Nature is not something separate from us. So when we say we have lost our connection to Nature, we have lost our connection to ourselves. - Andy Goldsworthy

For many generations the people of Japan lived in close relationship to the natural world. However, communities in this great country experienced a growing disconnect from Nature as the people moved away from rural, traditional lifestyles into cities - pursuing demanding occupations. While great achievements were being accomplished, especially in the tech industry, the people themselves noticed a significant decline in their health and wellbeing.

Thankfully, in the 1980s, through evidence-based research, the government of Japan identified the many holistic benefits of ecotherapy and the correlation between our connection with Earth to the health of our minds, our bodies and even our relationships with each other. In response to these discoveries, we owe our gratitude to Tomohide Akiyama of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries for the creation of our present-day, globally embraced, wellness practice of Shinrin-Yoku, 森林浴 .

And while the art of Shinrin-Yoku is relatively new, the roots of this restorative practice are nourished from deep within human history and ancient practices. Most human cultures have an ancestral heritage that includes a strong connection with Earth, like in Japan, and have experienced a decline in the wellbeing of society with the growing disconnect from the natural world.

In this current epidemic of loneliness, disconnect and increasing health concerns of both humanity and the planet, the mindful art of Shinrin-Yoku can nurture our wellbeing while restoring our relationship with Earth, ourselves, each other and even our ancestors. Healthy connections are a universal need.

So whether we are someone who embraces friluftsliv or someone who prefers to appreciate Nature from a distance, all of us benefit from the healing interconnections that grow from participating in this practice together. In the words of the esteemed Zen teacher and author, Thich Nhat Hanh:

We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness… A re-membering of our body & mind and our self with others & the Earth