Last week I was in Bandhavgarh National Forest Reserve.. seeking few days of tranquillity and indulging in forest bathing – the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or taking in the forest atmosphere… the elixir for psychological and physiological well-being.
Fortunately, my cellphone was useless without signal or internet connection…it gave space for nature to enter through five senses.
- Listening to variety of birds chirping through the day and unknown insects buzzing in the night.
- Feeling the breeze rustling through the leaves and bamboo shoots, touching tree trunks and feeling the bark – some soft, some hard.
- Looking at different shades of green, varied colors of grass: white and even rose hues
- Smell the fragrance of the forest, wild basil coming as a surprise
- Taste the freshness of crisp air
As I return to the concrete jungle of Mumbai, I wonder if forest bathing can be introduced as a wellbeing offering to corporates. Will it’s value be appreciated, understood and accepted?
Perspectives 